Effect of larval culture conditions on scallop (Pecten maximus) metamorphosis and subsequent post-larval success

In scallop aquaculture mass mortalities of larvae are occasionally observed during intensive rearing. This may be due to sub-optimal larval rearing conditions. The larval culture environment affects both the larvae and their ability to grow and survive as post-larvae. A successful metamorphosis and post-larval life seems to depend on the larval ability to store excess energy as lipid. Hence, the larvae, should be provided with adequate feed and a rearing environment that minimizes the energy expenditure. The main factors affecting larval feeding and swimming behaviour has been investigated during the past years, and has led to several improvements in larval rearing in Norway. However, the effect on metamorphosis and subsequent post-larval success has not yet been investigated in the rearing systems. The proposed project, which is a co-operation between research institutes and the industry, focuses on the effects of larval feed (algal) concentration and larval stocking density on grea t scallop (Pecten maximus) larvae, their metamorphosis and post-larval success.