Pectin novaezealandiae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| New Zealand Scallop | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
||||||||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||||||
| Pectin novaezealandiae Reeve, 1853 |
Pectin novaezealandiae is the New Zealand Scallop.
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
P. novaezealandiae is completely free living, and therefore mobile and somewhat migratory [1]. The two valves are asymmetric. The left valve is convex while the right is flat. The concave valve has approximately 16 ribs [1]. The colour is variable, however the valves are usually a whitish pink, but sometimes can be a dark reddish brown. Natural predators are starfishes and octopuses [2]..
[edit] Life Cycle
Sexual mature individuals are hermaphrodites. They are broadcast spawners. The season when the organisms spawn is variable between locations. However in Tasman Bay the peak time is between November to March [3]. Fertilisation occurs and a platonic larvae forms. This life stage is conserved for approximately three weeks. Metamorphosis occurs and the larvae changes from planktonic to a benthic existence by attaching itself to suitable substrate on the seafloor. The attachment lasts until the individual is at least five millimetres long. The individual then detaches from the substrate and begins to grow into an adult. Maturity is usually achieved by 18 months.
[edit] Distribution
P. novaezealandiae is endemic to New Zealand. It is found in the North Island, South Island, Stewart Island, and the Chatham Islands. P. novaezealandiae is found in sand, silt, and mud from low tide level to over 90 meters. Large populations are found in 10-25 meters of depth [3].
[edit] Fisheries
The New Zealand scallop is a large industry and export product of New Zealand. The large white adductor muscle is eaten, sometimes the yellow gonad is often eaten as well. P. novaezealandiae is considered a fine food and can be expensive to purchase. Recreational and commercial fishing of this species is allowed at particular times of the year, this is called scallop season. The size and number of scallops which can be caught are under control of the quota management system. In some areas of suitable habitat, such as Tasman Bay scallop spat is seeded. This is an attempt to achieve a sustainable fishery.
[edit] External links
- Scallop enhancement aquaculture
- Sealord farming information
- Tasman Bay map of scallop enhanced areas
[edit] References
- ^ a b John Morton, Michael Miller (1973). The New Zealand Seashore, Second Edition. Auckland: Collins.
- ^ Powell, A.W.B (1979). New Zealand Mollusca - Marine Land and Freshwater Shells. Auckland: Collins.
- ^ a b Michael Arbuckle, Michael Metzyer (2000). Food for thought. A brief history of the future of fisheries' management. Self Published: Challenger Scallop Enhancement Company.
