Survival of Patagonian scallop ( Zygochlamys patagonica, King and Broderip, 1832) after the size selection process on commercial fishing vessels

Abstract

Commercial catches of Patagonian scallops ( Zygochlamys patagonica) are automatically processed on board the fishing vessel and frozen adductor muscles are landed. During the factory process, the first step sorts commercial sizes (>55 mm shell height) and lasts about 30 min before scallops <55 mm are returned to the sea. This paper deals with the results of a field experiment carried out to investigate the survival of scallops as a consequence of time exposure to air, before and after the factory size selection process on board. The results show high survival in Patagonian scallops subjected to 30 min aerial exposure, and no significant differences between specimens collected before and after the mechanical size selection process.