The 2025 scallop fishing season is shaping up to be one of the more challenging in recent years, as new federal regulations aim to prevent overfishing and maintain sustainability in U.S. waters. While some adjustments may offer minor benefits to fishermen, experts warn that the overall outlook remains difficult for the industry—especially in New England, where scalloping is a vital part of the commercial fishing economy.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has implemented Framework 39 for the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery, covering the 2025 season through March 31, 2026. This framework, a critical component of the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan, outlines catch quotas, rotational area closures, and trip limits that will shape how the fishery operates.
New Rules Mean Reduced Access, Fewer Scallops
Framework 39 brings with it a reduction in total catch limits across all license categories compared to the 2024 season. These reductions are intended to curb overharvesting and preserve scallop stocks for future seasons. According to NOAA, while projected landings for 2025 are estimated at 18 million pounds, that number reflects tightened access and more conservative management practices.
The Northern Gulf of Maine Scallop Management Area saw an early-season closure to federally permitted scallop vessels as of April 11, 2025, though Massachusetts state-licensed vessels received an exemption to fish in state waters. The area reopened 10 days later, but with newly imposed regulations.
Despite the lowered quotas, NOAA anticipates an increase in scallop industry revenues to $180.8 million, largely due to the high market demand for Atlantic scallops and refined distribution practices.
Balancing Conservation and Economic Impact
Research Assistant Professor Adam Delargy from the School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) at UMass Dartmouth explains that the framework uses rotational access management, which designates specific zones as either open or closed each year. These access areas limit the number of trips and pounds harvested per vessel to prevent overexploitation.
Delargy points out that most scallop fishing happens in “open bottom” areas outside the rotational access zones. Here, there’s no specific catch cap—instead, harvest levels depend on how efficiently vessels use their allotted days at sea. Interestingly, while catch limits dropped, days at sea increased slightly for 2025—from 20 to 24 per vessel—allowing for more flexibility in these open areas.
However, Delargy warns that this increase may not be as beneficial as it appears. “The big question,” he says, “is how productive those open bottom areas will be. If scallop density is low, those extra days may not result in much of a catch.”
Tough Year Expected Despite Small Gains
The quota for the Northern Gulf of Maine increased from 454,152 pounds in 2024 to 712,093 pounds in 2025, a considerable jump that could help offset reductions elsewhere. Yet, Professor Delargy remains cautious.
“Based on current scientific data and what fishers are reporting at sea, it looks like 2025 and 2026 will be tough years,” he said. “Some scientists were surprised that days at sea were increased, given the downward trend in recent years.”
Despite the unexpected boost in available fishing time, scallop populations in open bottom areas haven’t been strong in recent seasons. These areas had previously seen a downward adjustment in effort due to weaker stock health.
New Bedford’s Role and Response
The New Bedford Port Authority, representing the most valuable fishing port in the U.S., has voiced cautious optimism. Executive Director Gordon Carr welcomed the reopening of the Northern Gulf of Maine, emphasizing the importance of meeting full allocations under Framework 39.
“In a challenging year, at the very least, full allocation under Framework 39 can be met,” Carr said. “We continue to support measures that would minimize the burdens on the industry’s fleet.”
A Look Ahead: Sustainability vs. Stability
Framework 39 also sets aside a portion of the total scallop quota for scientific research through the Scallop Research Set-Aside Program. These funds help finance long-term studies to better understand scallop populations, environmental impacts, and sustainable harvesting practices.
Professor Delargy emphasizes that the long-term health of the scallop industry depends on careful balance. “There’s always a tension between economic impact and conservation. Framework 39 is an effort to strike that balance—but it won’t be an easy season for many in the industry.”
Image/Source: southcoasttoday
