The potential for scallop spat collection in Bantry Bay, Ireland

In Ireland a reliable source of king scallop (Pecten maximus (L.)) spat needs to be found in order to support a stable scallop aquaculture industry. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Bantry Bay was a suitable site for the collection of scallop spat using artificial collectors. The study was conducted over a three-year period (1995-7) comparing sites within the bay, types of collectors and depths. Overall the amount of spat collected was not economically viable and varied between sites and between years. The most effective collector had the largest surface area. Depth was also an important factor since collectors must be placed at least 2m above the seabed to avoid heavy fouling, siltation and predation by crabs.