The annual reproductive cycle of Perna canaliculus (Gmelin) was investigated for 1 year by collecting monthly gonad samples from an intertidal population. Gonads of 50 animals were dissected and photographically recorded on video before being fixed for histological sectioning. The histological gonad sections were examined both qualitatively, using a classification and scoring system (S) and quantitatively, using image analysis technology. The quantitative measures used were the proportion of: (1) sections comprising follicles (FC