George Lapointe - Commissioner
Scallop Management
WHAT DO YOU WANT THE MAINE SCALLOP INDUSTRY
TO LOOK LIKE IN 5 - 10 YEARS?
Nearly everyone in the Maine scallop fishery is concerned that the scallop resource in Maine is in poor shape. Landings have been in a steady decline over the past decade, dropping from nearly 600 tons in the early 1990’s to about 300 tons in 2000. We have all participated in recent conversations as to the issues and options concerning the future management of scallops in Maine State waters. Among the issues are management initiatives, entry controls, scallop enhancement, aquaculture, and federal management.
At the Maine Fishermen’s Forum last year, there was consensus to move forward with a process of publicly developing a sustainable scallop management program for Maine. Multiple meetings have been held over this past fall and will continue through the upcoming year. All ideas are still on the table, and the Department is committed to taking as much time as necessary in order to create a comprehensive plan that has considered every option. The purpose of the 2002 Forum scallop roundtable discussion is to begin to focus the issues.
Brief Summary of Industry Meetings: There is general concern that the amount of effort is too high, and that the amount of broodstock and the quality of meats are too low. Some industry members feel that the population of the resource is dangerously low. There is significant concern on the global market and resultant current low boat price. Some industry members believe that the current spat enhancement experiments will improve the capability of the resource to recover. There is general support for a slow and collaborative development of a sustainable and economically viable fishery.
Long-term discussion issues: entry controls, inter and intra-fishery competition, community and or zone management, enhancement, aquaculture, and habitat.
Short-term issues to be discussed today:
- Discussion of increasing the scallop size to 4” - led by Tom Pottle
Discussion on modifications to dredge configurations - led by Blair Pynne
Discussion on potential for closed areas for sanctuary/spawning purposes - led by Gary Hatch
Discussion on raising license fees for dedicated research fund - led by Kristan Porter
Discussion on Statewide adoption of Cobscook Bay culling requirement law - led by Will Hopkins
A summary of the 2002 Forum roundtable discussions will be sent to all current Maine scallop license holders for review. Additional scallop industry meetings will be scheduled to discuss the results and determine next steps.