The Vertical and Horizontal Distribution of Sea Scallop ( Placopecten magellanicus ) Larvae in the Bay of Fundy in 1984 and 1985

Abstract

The vertical and horizontal distributions of sea scallop larvae (Placopecten magellanicus) in the Bay of Fundy were surveyed during September, October, and November of 1984 and during October of 1985. Larvae were distributed throughout the water column, although at some locations pronounced peaks in concentration associated with the thermocline occurred at depths between 5 and 20 m. Vertical stratification by size occurred, but was not consistent between stations. The horizontal distribution of larvae was compared with the distribution of commercial sea scallops (potential spawners) and the residual circulation pattern. Mean larval number per m2 was usually highest in the Outer Bay, where the greatest biomass of potential spawners was found. Some transport of larvae in the direction of the residual Currents is indicated by changes in length frequency distribution. Sea scallop larvae found in the Bay of Fundy appear to originate there, rather than from the Gulf of Maine, or the Scotian Shelf.