AUGUSTA - Five weeks into the season and the weather is starting to take its toll, according to the state Department of Marine Resources. To provide the fishery with greater flexibility, the drag fleet working in Zones 1 and 2, outside of the well-protected Cobscook Bay (Zone 3) area, now has an additional day per week to work around foul weather. When fishermen are able to get out, they are reporting good catches.

While four areas closed Jan. 1 after meeting their harvest targets, several Limited Access Areas across the state opened Jan. 2, providing additional opportunity once a week to the drag fleet in more protected areas.

Boat prices remain strong and have even strengthened since the season's opening. Many dealers are offering fishermen a "split" price; breaking their product down into U10s (The U10 designation means that they are 10 or fewer to the pound) and run (all scallops above U10), valuing U10s at a premium.

Multiple in-season surveys are currently underway with industry collaborators across the state. Results will be compiled with fishermen reports to evaluate future management actions. At this time, no additional closures are warranted.

For more information on the current Maine scallop season, visit the Maine DMR scallop information page.