King scallop (Pecten maximus) depuration trials

Preliminary trials were undertaken to assess the potential for depuration (purification) of diver harvested king scallops (Pecten maximus) under a range of temperatures and shellfish to water ratios. Scallops taken from class B waters were held for 42 hours in standard design depuration systems. Bacteriological analysis indicated a significant decrease in E. coli. and total viable count (TVC) at all temperatures and water ratios after the 42 hour depuration period. Mortalities at temperatures above 20.5 degreesC and increased ammonia levels at low shellfish to water ratios indicated that acceptable deputation conditions lie between 6.6 degreesC and 15.6 degreesC at shellfish to water ratios in excess of 1:12. Scallops held upside down also depurated effectively, although TVC indicated that in this orientation depuration was less effective than in scallops held the right way up.