New England scallop boats can now transit outside a protected area with scallops onboard

Federal regulators are changing the rules for scallop fishing in the Northeastern United States for 2025 and 2026. This means some smaller fishing boats can now move through a previously restricted area while carrying scallops.

The rules for scallop fishing are always a balancing act between protecting the population and allowing fishermen to make a living. This change gives smaller boats more flexibility in how they operate, potentially reducing their travel time and fuel costs. It also clarifies when certain areas open and close, which helps optimize the catch while trying to avoid catching other species by accident.