ROCKPORT — The New England Fishery Management Council is seeking input for the development of a Scallop Strategic Plan.

One of four sessions is scheduled to take place during the Maine Fishermen's Forum, Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 1 - 4 p.m., at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum, Samoset Resort, 220 Warrenton Street, in Rockport.

To help staff with logistics, the public can respond to an attendance form. 

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) has scheduled four Visioning Sessions to gather public input to help shape the development of a strategic plan to guide the future management of the Atlantic sea scallop fishery over the next 3-5 years.

The Rockport, New Bedford, and Philadelphia Visioning Sessions will not have a webinar option.

WHAT INFORMATION DOES THE COUNCIL WANT TO KNOW?

• What is the current state of the scallop fishery?

• Where do you want the fishery to be in 3-5 years?

• What is your long-term vision for the fishery?

• What are the challenges facing the scallop resource, the scallop fishery, and scallop habitat?

• What does the Council need to do to achieve this vision?

What do you think about?

• Fishing practices, such as high-grading and fishing in high density areas

• Impacts from changing ocean conditions

• Fleet capacity

• Scallop resource enhancement

• Scallop management in the Gulf of Maine / Northern Gulf of Maine

Through these Visioning Sessions, the Council will gather input on key challenges, emerging issues, and strategies. It will use the input to begin shaping the strategic plan to ensure the continued success of the fishery.

To learn more about the strategic planning timeline and process please visit the Council’s webpage or view the Visioning Sessions for the Development of a Long-Term Strategic Plan.

The full press release can be found here.