Tag Archives: bay scallop fishery

A Turn of Events! Massive scallop bed discovered in Madaket

A huge bed of scallop seed, discovered off Madaket last week, offered a bit of optimism about the future of the island’s bay scallop fishery, after a less than optimistic opening week. “It is an area in Madaket Harbor that is equal to about 35 football fields and full of seed,” said Tara Riley, the town’s shellfish biologist. “I’ve never in my professional life here on Nantucket seen anything like it, how thick the seed is.” >click to read< 14:55

Peconic Bay bay scallop fishery – Scallop Disaster Declared, But Some Hope for 2022

Ask any bayman, and all would agree that the bay scallop fishery in the Peconic Bay estuary system in the past two years was a total calamity. As such, it was no surprise to learn that the United States Department of Commerce recently declared the events of 2019-20 a fishery disaster. The declaration makes the fishery eligible for disaster assistance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Baymen may also qualify for disaster assistance from the Small Business Administration, according to the Department of Commerce. The department has balances remaining from previously appropriated fishery disaster assistance and will determine the appropriate allocation,,, >click to read< 10:27

Vineyard bay scallops provide hard work, good pay, high value

Aquipecten irradians, the scientific name for the bay scallop, is a species in low supply but high demand on dinner tables across the Island and country. Utilizing a lot of science, a healthy dose of ingenuity, and some help from Mother Nature, fishermen and town shellfish departments, supported by a considerable investment of more than $700,000 in taxpayer dollars this year alone, help sustain a bay scallop fishery on Martha’s Vineyard that is worth more than $1 million annually, sometimes much more. Read more here 17:41

Governor Rick Scott announced the bay scallop season will open three days early this year.

Opening the season early and on a weekend will create additional recreational opportunities for Florida residents and visitors while recognizing the importance of economic benefits to coastal communities where this activity occurs. Read more here  17:18