Genetic characterization of the main sea scallop beds in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

Description

The primary objective of this project is to determine the source of spat collected in the Magdalen Islands by comparing the genetic characteristics of the spat with those of specimens from various sea scallop beds.

To achieve this objective, it will be necessary to:

1. describe the genetic characteristics of spat from the main collection sites;
2. describe the genetic characteristics of sea scallop throughout the various natural beds in the Magdalen Islands and commercial collection sites;
3. estimate temporal variability, determined by inter-cohort variability of genetic characteristics; and
4. describe the genetic characteristics of sea scallop throughout the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

A secondary objective of the project is to assess whether there are genetic differences between the sea scallop beds found throughout the Gulf of St. Lawrence in order to be able to more effectively manage transfers of spat and spawners between the various farm sites and to more effectively characterize the risks associated with such transfers. This objective is complementary to the genetic characterization work being carried out as part of the PAPATSHE program on the Lower North Shore.

This one-year project will make it possible to complete the initial project entitled Determination of the origin of sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) spat used in culture operations in the Magdalen Islands using genetic and metabolic indices carried out in 2002 and funded by ACRDP.

Program Name

Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP)

Year(s)

2005 - 2006

Ecoregion(s)

Atlantic: Gulf of St. Lawrence, St. Lawrence Estuary

Principal Investigator(s)

Jean-Marie Sévigny
Email: Jean-Marie.Sevigny@dfo-mpo.gc.ca