Improvement of Culture Techniques for the Purple-Hinged Rock Scallop

Taylor Resources, Inc. is proposing Phase 1 experiments to assist in commercializing the culture of rock scallops (Crassadoma giganteus). The firm maintains a state-of-the-art hatchery and nursery complex to supply seed to over 3400 ha of intertidal and subtidal grow-out beds. The purple-hinged rock scallop has been identified as the premium valued product with high potential for aquaculture development because of its large size and culinary qualities. Significant impediments remain to commercialization of rock scallop acquaculture due mainly to high mortalities in the hatchery, especially during the early post-settlement period, and the tendency for juvenile and adult scallops to cement themselves to grow-out trays and structures, which hinder grow-out. Phase 1 studies are proposed for rock scallop aquaculture development in Puget Sound and will focus on improving broodstock development and larval rearing through algal diet development, development of triploidy and research on grow-out techologies.