Scallops are bivalve mollusks known for their fan-shaped shells, which feature prominent ears on the top and back, while the front and rear parts are smaller. The right shell is relatively flat with around 10 radiating ribs, whereas the left shell is more convex, featuring over 30 ribs and spines. The shell surface ranges in color from brown, gray to purple. These creatures typically live in shallow, fast-flowing waters with clear conditions and attach themselves to rocky reefs using strong threads. When they open and close their shells, they produce a crisp sound and can swim slightly. They are mainly farmed along China’s northern coast, including species such as *Chlamys farreri* and the American bay scallop (*Argopecten irradians*). This article focuses on the breeding techniques of bay scallops.
For successful scallop farming, it's essential to choose an offshore area with clear seawater, high transparency, and a depth between 10 and 20 meters. The water should be rich in nutrients, support abundant plankton, and have low levels of light pollution and chemical ions. The location should also have minimal wind waves, gentle currents, and fewer predators.
To prepare the farming setup, rope stakes, ropes, and buoys are usually set up in March, April, July, or August. A rope string made of 24 strands of flax or nylon rope, about 5 cm in diameter and 100 meters long, is used. Each end is secured with two 2-meter-long wooden stakes, and plastic or hollow glass buoys are placed every 0.5 meters. Scallop seedlings are placed in multi-layered nylon cages (8–10 layers) and suspended with buoys spaced 20 cm apart to ensure the ropes float. The rows are spaced more than 5 meters apart to allow boats to pass through easily. Farming scale can vary depending on available resources.
Scallop seedlings are typically planted twice a year—once in May and June, and again in September. During these periods, seedlings are placed into cages, with approximately 20 seeds per layer across 8–10 layers. After being released, the cages are transported to the farm. Farmers must carefully monitor the culture ropes. Bay scallops are heat-tolerant and grow quickly, often reaching harvestable size within the first year.
In addition to managing natural threats, farmers must regularly inspect the cages for predators like crabs, sea stars, and large seaweeds. They should also clean the cages and brushes frequently to remove debris and maintain water quality. As scallops grow, timely caging helps them access fresh seawater, promoting healthy development.
Harvesting occurs twice a year, usually between November–December or February–March. Scallops are ready for harvest when their shells measure 5–8 cm in length, as this is when the meat is most flavorful. At harvest time, the nylon strings are cut with a special tool and prepared for processing or direct sale. If dried for more than a week, scallops risk dehydration and death.
Processed scallops are highly valued for their delicious taste and are popular in both local and international markets. The processing method is straightforward: scallops are washed in fresh water, soaked in a brine solution (100:3 ratio of water to salt), and cleaned by removing impurities, the mantle, and visceral mass. The adductor muscle is then carefully removed and frozen for later use.
To keep them fresh, scallops are packed in food-grade containers without any chemicals, with each box containing 500 grams. They are wrapped in sterile plastic and sold in bags, making them easy to store, transport, and consume.
Economically, scallop farming can be highly profitable. Even on a small scale, at least one 24-horsepower fishing boat and 2–4 workers are required. A 100-meter-long breeding rope can yield 7.5–10 tons of scallops, generating profits ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 yuan. However, in recent years, environmental factors like seawater pollution have led to reduced farming scales and lower production. Despite these challenges, scallop farming remains a promising aquaculture option due to its high market value and relatively simple cultivation process.
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