The Atlantic Bay Scallop (Argopecten
irradians) is also aptly named Blue-eyed Scallop.
This scallop species can be found from Cape Cod,
Massachusetts to New Jersey, and at one time was
harvested extensively. Due to over fishing and especially
the depletion of eelgrass* beds Atlantic Bay scallop
populations have diminished significantly over the
last 50+ years.
The scallops shown below were found in Block Island's
Great Salt Pond in July 2004 and illustrate some
of the features of New England's subspecies Argopecten
irradians irradians:
- overall size: 1.5 - 3 inches,
and generally round in shape
- 17 - 18 ribs, which create the
scalloped edges
- marginal wings (a.k.a "ears")
roughly equal in size
- many blue eyes which detect
light and movement
The Blue-eyed scallop, unlike many bivalves, can
move about its environment. By opening its shell
and snapping it closed quickly, the scallop ejects
water, causing mini jet propulsion-like spurts of
mobility. The scallop uses its ability to move and
to detect light changes to escape from predators
such as sea stars and crabs.
The Blue-eyed scallop can exist in a variety of
habitats from sandy to muddy to rocky bottoms, in
shallow waters up to 40 feet deep. However, it prefers
and thrives in eelgrass beds where it finds nutrients
and protection.
Generally, Atlantic Bay scallops live 20 to 24 months,
and can be aged by the presence of a dark growth
band on its shell that marks the end of its first
year of growth. The scallop shown above is at the
end of its second (and final) growth year.
In the waters of Block Island's Great Salt Pond,
the Blue-eyed scallop is present in relatively small
numbers. The Island's Shellfish Commission plans
on augmenting that naturally occurring population
with the placement of about 50,000 scallops the
size of a quarter in September 2004. Based on the
harbor's clean and protected environment - and in
spite of its lack of sizable eelgrass beds - it
is hoped that this experiment will be successful
in establishing a self-sustaining recreational scallop
fishery.
For more information on Blue-eyed
scallops or Eelgrass go to:
*Eelgrass is a vascular
flowering plant (not an algae/seaweed) that grows
seasonally as submerged meadows in coastal waters
from 1 - 20 feet deep. |
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