Influence of temperature and food availability on the ecological energetics of the giant scallop Placopecten magellanicus. I. Growth rates of shell and somatic tissue

Abstract

Giant scallops Placopecten magellanicus (Gmelin) were collected at different water depths from locations in Newfoundland [Canada] and New Brunswick. For various depths at 2 sites (Sunnyside and Colinet), monthly measurements were made for 2 1/2 yr of water temperature, chlorophyll, energy content of seston, and size-frequency distribution of particulate matter. Somatic and shell growth rates for scallops from several sites in eastern Canada were compared using polynomial regression techniques and/or Von Bertalanffy equations. Faster shell growth and more pronounced somatic growth were recorded for populations growing under the more favourable conditions of food and temperature associated with shallow water, although localized conditions may obscure any general trend.