Conversion factors for dry weight for the lion paw scallop (Nodipected subnodosus Sowerby, 1835)

Abstract

The biomass of marine species must typically be expressed in terms of dry weight. Direct measurement, however, can be problematic under some operating situations. When fine-grained comparisons between individuals are not required, one solution that is widely utilized is the use of conversion factors, but these must be specific and generated using the best information available. Based on morphometric measurements of five independent groups of organisms with varying sizes and origins, this study suggests weight conversion factors for the lion paw scallop (Nodipecten subnodosus). In all cases, the measurements and sample processing techniques were the same. As predictors of dry weight, conversion factors based on the wet weight of soft tissue, the fresh weight of animals (including the shell), and the shell width are proposed. In all situations, the correlation coefficients for the models tested are significant. Given the short sample size, especially for the larger animals, it is suggested that the factors be re estimated in the future using a larger number of cases in the future.