The breeding of the scallop, Pecten maximus (L.), in Manx waters

Abstract

An important fishery for the scallop, Pecten maximus (L.), is carried on during the winter months round the Isle of Man. A knowledge of the breeding of this lamellibranch would be useful should legislation become necessary with regard to the fishery.Regular samples of scallops were dredged, whenever possible, at roughly weekly or fortnightly intervals throughout the period October 1950-October 1952, from a depth of 13–16 fm. off Bradda Head and Bay Fine, near Port Erin. Approximately 8000 scallops of all ages up to 13 years were examined, though very few young ones were caught. Scallops were aged by means of the growth-rings on the shell, of which one is laid down each spring (Mason, 1957).