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Scallops, Sea

(Canadian Atlantic, Wild-caught)

Rating:
Sea scallop populations from Atlantic Canada are healthy and abundant. However, dredges used by these fisheries cause habitat damage and bycatch. Canadian Atlantic sea scallops are therefore a "Good Alternative."

A portion of the Eastern Canada offshore scallop fishery is certified as sustainable to the standard of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) .

Market Names:
Giant Scallop, Digby Scallop, Hotate, Petoncles

Consumer Notes:
Two kinds of scallops are sold: the marshmallow-sized sea scallop (sometimes called giant scallop) and the much smaller bay scallop.

Scallops use a strong, circular muscle to clap their shells together, letting them "fly" through the water and out of harm's way. It's this circular (abductor) muscle that's prized as seafood.

Summary:
Sea scallops grow quickly and mature at a young age, traits that make them resilient to fishing pressure. Despite years of fishing, Canadian scallops are healthy and abundant.

Sea scallops are caught by dredging, which involves dragging a heavy frame with an attached mesh bag along the sea floor. This causes severe damage to seafloor habitats. In addition, dredging produces some bycatch, but Canadian fisheries management has implemented measures to reduce this.

Therefore, sea scallops from the Canadian Atlantic caught with dredge gear are considered a "Good Alternative."

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