Document Type
Report
Department/Program
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
VIMS Department/Program
Marine Advisory Services (MAS)
Publication Date
6-26-2020
Series
Marine Resource Report No. 2020-2
Abstract
For the sea scallop, Placopecten magellanicus, the concepts of space and time have emerged as the basis of an effective management tool. The strategy of closing or limiting activities in certain areas for specific lengths of time has gained support as a method to conserve and enhance the scallop resource. In the last decade, rotational area management has provided a mechanism to protect juvenile scallops from fishing mortality by closing areas based upon scallop abundance and observed age distribution. Approximately half of the sea scallop industry’s current annual landings are attributed to from areas under this rotational harvest strategy. While this represents a management success, it also highlights the extent to which landings are dependent on the effective implementation of this strategy. The continued prosperity of scallop spatial management is dependent on both periodic and large incoming year classes, as well as a mechanism to delineate the scale of a recruitment event and subsequently monitor the growth and abundance of these scallops over time. Current and accurate information related to the abundance and distribution of adult and juvenile scallops is essential for managers to respond to changes in resource subunits.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.25773/gvwb-0w33
Keywords
Sea scallop fishery
Funding
Award Number: NA18NMF4540015
Recommended Citation
Rudders, D. B., Roman, S. A., & Mohr, E. (2020) An Assessment of Sea Scallop Abundance and Distribution in the Nantucket Lightship Closed Area and Surrounds - Final Report. Marine Resource Report No. 2020-2. Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary. https://doi.org/10.25773/gvwb-0w33
