Seasonal variations in the ovaries of the great scallop (Pecten maximus) from western Norway

Abstract

Changes in weight, histology and visual appearance of ovaries from a field population of Pecten maximus (Pectinidae: Bivalvia) were followed for one year. Ovaries containing fully-grown oocytes were found throughout the year, though the degree of filling varied. Spawning activity of varying intensity occurred from late March to September. Recovery with increase in gonad index followed the spawning in spring, but there were no signs of gonad growth during a stepwise decline in gonad index from June to September. Gonad index increased to a new maximum between October and December. Oogenesis seemed to be active in filled ovaries throughout the year, and no classical resting period with empty gonads was seen. Prior to and during the spring phytoplankton bloom, recruitment of young oocytes appeared inhibited in some ovaries, leading to increased accumulation of large oocytes.