Intra-annual and long-term patterns in the reproductive cycle of giant scallops Placopecten magellanicus (Bivalvia: Pectinidae) from Passamaquoddy Bay, New Brunswick, Canada

Abstract

Scallops in Passamaquoddy Bay had one main spawning period between July and September, with peak spawning occurring during August. Spawning was an intermittent process, with 2-3 spawning events. There was concordance between these spawning events and the lunar/tidal cycle, suggesting a tidally related spawning cue. Spawning was highly synchronous within local populations, between sexes, and within the bay. Onset, duration, and periodicity of spawning were also similar between years (1978-1990). Changes in potential reproductive output may not be as important in the determination of recruitment for scallops as factors operating at other life-history stages. -from Authors