Strategies for Successful Scallops Spat Collection on Artificial Collectors in the Taranto Gulf (Mediterranean Sea)

The high variability in natural recruitment of Pectinidae is a common feature many marine invertebrates with pelagic larval stage, but may negatively affect aquaculture activities. Detailed information on settlement patterns and spat availability required to reduce costs labor. In this regard, we attempted establish the precise immersion time deployment dates for collectors Taranto Gulf (Mediterranean Sea, Italy). first experiment was carried out from June October 2013, deploying every 15 days retrieving them after 4, 6, 8, 10 weeks. Results allowed us select 8 weeks as best collection. second 2013 July 2014 when deployed recovered detect favorable periods place water obtain highest scallop harvest rate. Mimachlamys varia most abundant pectinid (greater than 90%), whose recruits were collected during year studied, followed by Flexopecten glaber rates (87%) Pecten jacobaeus, which never exceeded 17% spat. M. had long period (from early June), F. showed number autumn months while P. jacobaeus restricted spawning. Our experiments provide useful insights into strategies establishing order promote these mollusks alternative candidates farming area.