How Are Scallops Grown?
Scallops are primarily grown through aquaculture, a method known as hanging culture, which leverages the natural marine environment while providing a controlled space for optimal growth. This technique involves suspending specialized equipment from floating structures in the water, allowing scallops to feed naturally on plankton.
Understanding the Hanging Culture Method
The hanging culture system is a sophisticated approach to scallop farming that optimizes space and resource utilization. It relies on a series of submerged structures that house the scallops at various stages of their development.Key components and stages of the hanging culture method include:
- Floating Structures: The foundation of this method involves rafts or floating longlines. These structures remain on the surface of the water and serve as the anchor points for the scallop enclosures. They allow farmers to access and manage the scallops easily.
- Suspended Enclosures: Beneath these floating lines, various types of nets and trays are suspended in the water. These enclosures are designed to hold the scallops securely while allowing water flow for feeding and waste removal. The primary types of enclosures used are:
- Pearl Lanterns: Often used for growing scallops to market size.
- Mesh Pockets: Another option for housing scallops during their growth phase.
- Trays: Flat structures, sometimes stacked, also used for mature scallops.
- Juvenile Scallop Cultivation: The process begins with young scallops. Pearl nets are small pyramid-shaped nets, typically hung ten to a line, in which juvenile scallops are grown. These specialized nets provide a safe environment for the delicate young scallops to grow sufficiently before being moved to larger accommodations.
- Transfer and Growth: Once the juvenile scallops reach a certain size in the pearl nets, they are carefully transferred to circular, collapsible lantern nets or trays. These larger enclosures provide more space for the scallops to continue growing to their full market size. The design of these nets allows for efficient water circulation, ensuring the scallops have access to an abundant food supply (plankton) and optimal conditions for growth.
This systematic approach allows farmers to monitor growth, manage density, and protect scallops from predators, leading to efficient and sustainable production.
Benefits of Hanging Culture
The hanging culture method offers several advantages for scallop farming:- Environmental Efficiency: Utilizes natural water flow and plankton, reducing the need for artificial feeding.
- Disease Management: Allows for easier monitoring and isolation of diseased individuals, preventing widespread outbreaks.
- High Yields: Maximizes the use of vertical space in the water column, leading to higher production per unit area.
- Protection: Shelters scallops from seabed predators and harsh environmental conditions.
