Title

Scallop Spat Production in Mesocosms.

Objectives

Attempts to develop a scallop culture industry in Ireland since the 1980’s have failed because of unreliable and inconsistent supplies of natural scallop spat. Shellfish hatcheries, which have successfully supplied the oyster and clam industry, have encountered difficulties in the application of hatchery techniques to this bivalve species. In response to the inadequate supplies of natural spat and the problems encountered at the settlement/nursery stage by shellfish hatcheries, this project attempted the settlement of hatchery-reared scallop larvae in floating enclosures in Mulroy Bay.

During the summer of 2000, 16 million eyed scallop larvae were transferred from Cartron Point shellfish hatchery in New Quay, County Clare and introduced into floating enclosures at Deegagh Point, Mulroy Bay. Between 80,000-100,000 scallop spat of 10mm shell height were produced. Similar production was achieved in 2001 in a second trial targeting some of the difficulties encountered in the initial phase. Although this level of productivity represents an overall survival to a size suitable for handling of less than 1%, this technique for scallop spat production had never been attempted previously in Ireland or Europe.

Duration

2000 - 2001

Partners/Collaborators

Taighde Mhara Teoranta
Cartron Point Shellfish Ltd.
Deegagh Point Shellfish Ltd.

Funding Agency

Udaras na Gaeltachta

Contact for Further Details

John Slater – CAMBio Principal Investigator
Email: john.slater@lyit.ie

Mark Norman – Taighde Mhara Teoranta
Email: mnorman@taighde.ie