Size‐based survival of cultured Argopecten purpuratus (L, 1819) under severe hypoxia

International audienceDuring recent years, mass mortalities of cultured scallops became more frequent in Peruvian bays. One of the main drivers related to these mortalities was hypoxic events. This study was designed to understand the hypoxia phenomenon in these bays and to assess how the Peruvian scallop, Argopecten purpuratus, can cope with reduced oxygen levels in seawater based on individual size. First, we analyzed the relationships between dissolved oxygen saturation and other environmental parameters (the Coastal El Niño Index, temperature, salinity and pH) in bottom seawater, the frequency and intensity of hypoxic events in two main culture areas (Sechura and Paracas Bays), and their relationship with scallop mass mortalities. Then, we performed experiments with two size groups of A. purpuratus (31 and 80 mm shell height; seed and commercial size, respectively) to assess their respective survival time under severe hypoxia (1% oxygen saturation) at 16°C and a salinity of 35. Finally, the results of the field records and the experimental data are used to suggest ways to improve scallop cultivation along the Peruvian coast