Happy World Oceans Day!
DOCUMENTARY SHARE
June 8, 2026
Happy World Oceans Day! At CFF, we are proud to contribute to the understanding of our oceans. From our ongoing seasonal survey of the scallop fishery, optical survey programs, our pilot effort of integrating electronic monitoring (EM) systems in the sea scallop fishery, our various research in protecting marine species populations, and much more – CFF is committed to science that supports sustainable fishing practices and resilient marine ecosystems.
To celebrate World Ocean Day, we are sharing a compilation from our 2016 documentary, Sustaining Sea Scallops - in collaboration with UnderCurrent Productions. The film reviews the history and resurgence of the Atlantic sea scallop fishery, seen through the eyes of fishermen and researchers.
In 1999, facing fisheries closures and bankruptcy, the scallop industry began funding a unique research program to minimize impacts on the marine environment. Fifteen years later, the Atlantic sea scallop is hailed as one of the most sustainable and lucrative fisheries in the world.
From New Bedford, Massachusetts to Seaford, Virginia, fishermen and researchers tell a rare tale of renewal, offering cooperative research as a new model for sustaining healthy fisheries and fishing communities. The film sends a clear and powerful message: a healthy ocean leads to healthy fishing communities, with ripple effects on the larger economy and ecosystem.
Today and everyday, we are proud to work alongside industry members and support our ocean!