Data on growth performance and survival of black scallops (Mimachlamys varia (Linnaeus, 1758)) reared under suspended conditions in waters of the Basque coast (SE Bay of Biscay)

This dataset presents the growth performance and survival of black scallops (Mimachlamys varia) reared under suspended conditions using different growing systems at two different sites of the Basque coast (SE Bay of Biscay). Monthly data on environmental variables (temperature, salinity, oxygen saturation and chlorophyll “a” concentration) in the water column is also provided. Juveniles obtained from a hatchery with a mean length of 23.6 ± 4.12 mm and a mean wet weight of 2.06 ± 1.09 g were deployed in cages and pots at two experimental sites: a raft installed in sheltered waters and a longline located at offshore waters. The experiment was run from June 2019 to August 2020 (447 days). Black scallops were collected every one or two months and at each sampling time a cage and a pot were retrieved from each site. Black scallop survival and growth performance were determined. This database is useful for (i) assessing the viability of the species on the Basque coast, (ii) determining the time needed for black scallops to reach commercial size, (iii) promoting species diversification in the emerging offshore aquaculture sector in the Basque Country and, (iv) for comparison with other biogeographical areas.