Croissance et mortalite du petoncle noir Chlamys varia dans le bassin d'Arcachon, France

Until 1960, the Black scallop Chlamys varia was relatively abundant along the French Atlantic coasts. Today most of these natural beds have disappeared. Because mollusc hatchery and nursery techniques have been mastered, the reintroduction of this species, under control, was carried out in several areas and particularly in the bay of Arcachon, from 1989 to 1992. Good results were obtained in hatchery and nursery but the development of the juveniles in the natural fields was poor. The growth of Chlamys varia was satisfactory but heavy mortalities were rapidly recorded which could not be related to the hydrobiological conditions. This species seems to be very sensitive to short emersion and removal operations which are incompatible with aquaculture processes.