Atlantic sea scallop aquaculture represents a significant opportunity for sustainable seafood production, but optimizing growth methods is crucial for commercial success. Farmers primarily rely on techniques like lantern net culture and ear-hanging to cultivate these valuable bivalves. A recent comprehensive study meticulously compared these two dominant methods over a full grow-out cycle, shedding light on which approach delivers superior results in terms of yield and growth rate, providing valuable data for the aquaculture industry. The research focused on key metrics influencing profitability, primarily shell size and the weight of the adductor muscle – the edible part of the scallop. Findings revealed that scallops cultivated using the ear-hanging technique exhibited slightly larger shell heights, measuring between 1% and 4% greater than those grown in traditional lantern nets. While this difference in shell size is modest, the impact on the marketable product was considerably more pronounced. Perhaps the most significant discovery relates to the adductor muscle yield. Scallops raised via ear-hanging consistently produced heavier adductor muscles, showing an increase of up to 12% compared to their lantern net counterparts. This substantial difference in muscle weight directly translates to higher market value per scallop, making ear-hanging a potentially more profitable method under the right conditions. This advantage stems from how ear-hanging allows scallops more direct access to water flow and nutrients compared to the more enclosed environment of lantern nets. Growth speed is another critical factor for farmers aiming for efficient production cycles. The study observed that ear-hanging facilitated faster growth, particularly when water temperatures were within the optimal range for Atlantic sea scallops, specifically between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 15 degrees Celsius). This accelerated growth can shorten the time to market, improving operational turnover. However, this method also showed a potential vulnerability. Despite the advantages in yield and optimal growth speed, ear-hung scallops demonstrated greater sensitivity to environmental fluctuations, especially colder winter temperatures. Scallops grown in lantern nets appeared more resilient during these colder periods, suggesting that the nets may offer some degree of thermal buffering. This finding introduces an important consideration for site selection and seasonal management. Growers in regions with significant temperature swings, particularly harsh winters, might find lantern nets offer more consistent survival and growth, potentially offsetting the lower yield compared to ear-hanging under ideal conditions. Ultimately, the choice between ear-hanging and lantern net culture involves balancing potential yield gains against environmental stability and operational complexity. Ear-hanging offers clear benefits for adductor muscle weight and faster growth in optimal temperatures, pointing towards higher potential profits. However, its sensitivity to cold requires careful site assessment and management. Lantern nets, while yielding slightly less, provide greater resilience in variable conditions. This research equips scallop farmers with crucial data to make informed decisions tailored to their specific environmental context and business goals, paving the way for more efficient and productive Atlantic sea scallop aquaculture.
