CFF has conducted a long-term seasonal survey of the Atlantic sea scallop fishery on Georges Bank since 2010. This collaborative, industry-based research program generates high-resolution data on scallop populations, bycatch species, and ecosystem dynamics to support sustainable fisheries management.

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Building on over a decade of work, the project has evolved to address emerging scientific and management priorities. Recent efforts focus on the eastern portion of Georges Bank, an area of high ecological and commercial importance where scallop recruitment, bycatch interactions, and environmental variability are particularly dynamic.

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For the 2025-2026 research period, the project aims to advance understanding of scallop population structure, health, ecosystem interactions, and bycatch dynamics.

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By combining standardized survey methods with innovative sampling approaches, this work provides fine-scale, seasonal insights not captured by traditional annual surveys. These data directly inform management by improving estimates of relative abundance, identifying spawning periods, and supporting strategies to reduce bycatch and optimize harvest.

 

Strong partnerships between scientists and the commercial fishing industry remain central to this effort, ensuring that research is operationally realistic and directly applicable to management. We thank our collaborators for providing vessels, crew, and at-sea expertise, including Nordic Inc., Nordic Fisheries Inc., Empire Fisheries LLC, Atlantic Fishing Inc., Michigan Fishing Inc., Eastern Fisheries, Hansen Scalloping Inc., and Nelson Fishing Inc.