Long-Term Scallop Strategic Plan and Visioning Sessions

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is developing a long-term strategic plan to guide the future management of the Atlantic sea scallop fishery over the next 3-5 years. The plan will inform the long-term sustainability, economic viability, and management of the scallop fishery.

To solicit initial public input for the strategic plan, the Council is holding four Visioning Sessions, three in-person and one online. In April the Council will use the input collected over the four sessions to begin developing the strategic plan.

Visioning Session Dates

What Does the Council Want to Know?

  • What is the current state of the scallop fishery?
  • Where do you want the fishery to be in 3-5 years? What is your long-term vision for the fishery?
  • What are the challenges facing the scallop resource, the scallop fishery, and scallop habitat?
  • What does the Council need to do to achieve this vision?

What do you think about?

  • Fishing practices, such as high-grading and fishing in high density areas
  • Impacts from offshore wind development
  • Impacts from changing ocean conditions
  • Fleet capacity
  • Scallop resource enhancement

If your comments are specific to one component of the scallop fishery, please let the Council know which permit category you’re referring to:

  • Limited Access
  • Limited Access General Category Individual Fishing Quota (LAGC A)
  • Northern Gulf of Maine (LAGC B)