2024 Final Report Available
RSA Seasonal Survey of Bycatch in the Scallop Fishery
February 12, 2026
The Coonamessett Farm Foundation (CFF) Seasonal Survey team, Luisa Garcia, Natalie Jennings, Farrell Davis, and Liese Siemann, has completed the final report for the 2024 Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside Program. The project, Seasonal Survey for the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery on the Eastern Part of Georges Bank, builds on more than a decade of collaborative, industry-based research designed to provide critical seasonal insights into the dynamics of one of the nation’s most valuable fisheries.
Over six research trips conducted during the 2024-2025 survey year, the team examined how scallop biomass shifts across life stages (pre-recruits to adults) while also documenting seasonal patterns in spawning, meat yield, and overall scallop health. Beyond scallops, the project evaluates the broader ecosystem context in which the fishery operates. Seasonal changes in scallop predator abundance, scallop natural mortality, and the distribution of key bycatch species, including yellowtail and windowpane flounder, were analyzed in relation to scallop aggregations. The team also conducted biological sampling of American lobster encountered during dredge operations, contributing additional ecosystem-level information to support adaptive management.
This collaborative research effort would not be possible without the partnership of the scallop fleet. CFF extends its sincere thanks to the captains and crews of Empire Fisheries LLC, Hansen Scalloping Inc., Atlantic Fishing Corp, Michigan Fishing Inc., and Nelson Fishing Inc., as well as the shoreside support provided by Dockside Marine Services. Their continued commitment to cooperative science strengthens the long-term sustainability of the Atlantic sea scallop fishery.