Lawmakers, managers debate reopening Georges Bank 'northern edge' and limited permit stacking to aid scallop fleet

A joint Massachusetts legislative hearing in Boston drew state and federal fishery managers, UMass researchers, and industry representatives to discuss sea scallop management, possible access to Georges Bank's northern edge and a narrowly tailored permit-stacking proposal.

The hearing focused on three interlinked issues: the state of the scallop resource and scientific advice used to manage it; consideration of limited, carefully timed access to the so-called northern edge of Georges Bank (an area designated a Habitat Area of Particular Concern); and an industry-backed proposal to allow a vessel to carry two limited-access scallop permits (permit stacking) to reduce costs and modernize operations.

The matter matters because the scallop fishery generates large economic value for Massachusetts ports, particularly New Bedford. Dan McKernan, director of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, said sea scallops account for a large share of Massachusetts seafood revenue and that 2024 scallop landings in value were about $260,000,000. "Massachusetts is the leading seafood producing state on the East Coast and at least half of that value comes from sea scallops," McKernan said as he introduced the topic and invited federal council input.

Dr. Kate O'Keefe, executive director of the New England…