DV-14-12 Spatial dimensions of Maine sea scallop reproduction: presentation at the International Pectinid Workshop

Skylar Bayer
University of Maine Darling Marine Center
193 Clark’s Cove Road
Walpole, ME 04573
617.771.5173

Once a large fishery in Maine, scallop populations are now depleted. As free spawners, scallop populations may not be dense enough to achieve the high fertilization rates necessary to guarantee reproduction. Understanding the efficacy of area closures in rebuilding scallop populations depends on an understanding of the spatial dimension of scallop reproductive performance, the focus of Skylar Bayer’s research. Sea Grant funds supported Bayer’s travel to present her research at the International Pectinid Workshop, a biennial conference focused on all aspects of scallop biology, fisheries, and aquaculture. The 2015 meeting featured a special session on Marine Protected Areas that was relevant to the recent implementation of rotational closures in Maine’s scallop fishery. Bayer presented her talk, “The first field evidence of fertilization success in the giant sea scallop,” to an audience of more than 100 people.

Follow Bayer’s research on her website or via Twitter @strctlyfishwrap

Sea Grant funds: $2,500