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Scallops, Sea

(U.S. Atlantic, Dredged)

Rating:
Wild-caught sea scallops from the U.S. Atlantic are a "Good Alternative."

Market Names:
Giant Scallop, Hotate

Consumer Notes:
The Atlantic sea scallop ranges from the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Newfoundland, Canada; to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina in the U.S. This recommendation applies to the U.S. fishery only.

Summary:
Scallops are typically found on sand and gravel bottoms. The U.S. Atlantic scallop fishery uses almost entirely bottom dredges, which have moderate to high impacts on seafloor habitats. This causes concern due to the sheer size of this fishery.

Despite these challenges, management has been effective, restoring previously depleted stocks and controlling areas open to fishing. In addition, regulations mandate "turtle deflector dredges" to help avoid killing or injuring loggerhead sea turtles.

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