Spawning of Pecten maximus (Pectinidae) and the artificial collection of juveniles in two bays in the west of Ireland

Abstract

The main spawning times of the scallop Pecten maximus (L.) in 1985 and 1986 in Kilkieran Bay were in late May and August in 1985 and in early June and late July in 1986. In the Birterbuy Bay population spawning was mainly in late April and August in 1985 and in late May 1986. Spawning continued at low levels throughout the summer. Fecundity also varied in the 2 years. Settlement on artificial collectors was monitored from June to September 1985 and May to September 1986 in Kilkieran Bay, from June to November 1985 in Birterbuy Bay. Major settlements occurred in June 1985 and in July 1986 in Kilkieran Bay, while only light settlement was recorded in Birterbuy Bay during 1985. Late spawnings in each year did not lead to successful settlements. Spatial variations in settlement intensity in Kilkieran Bay suggest that most larvae settle several kilometres from adult beds. Size-frequency distributions of settled juveniles, however, indicate that silting of some collectors may reduce their efficiency for collection of juveniles. © 1987.