DMR 2014 Spring Scallop Survey Report for Zone 2 (Penobscot Bay to Lubec)

According to the executive summary, a sea scallop survey was carried out in April 2014 in Zone 2 (eastern Maine coast between West Quoddy Head and upper Penobscot Bay). The survey was directed into the seven rotational areas scheduled to be open to fishing in the 2014-15 season. A total of 139 tows were completed on the survey. Some highlights were:

• Harvestable (> 4 in. shell height) scallop density was significantly higher in the Bold Coast rotational area in 2014 than in the adjacent open area in 2013. Sublegal (2.5-3.9 inch shell height) density also was greater than in the adjacent open area in 2013. Seed (<2.5 inch shell height) density remained at a relatively high level, comparable to 2013.

• Density of harvestable scallops was higher in the Little Kennebec/Englishman Bay rotational area in 2014 than in the adjacent open area in 2013. Seed and sublegal densities were less than in 2013 however. This area contained mostly harvestable scallops.

• The five other (Addison, Frenchmans Bay, Swan’s Island, Isle au Haut Bay, upper Penobscot Bay) rotational areas had poor scallop abundance. The highest density of harvestables was in Isle au Haut Bay but this was only in a limited part of the survey area.

• Aside from Bold Coast and Little Kennebec/Englishman Bay there was very little sign of recruitment (seed and sublegals).

• Only 38 scallops were caught in 18 tows in the Upper Penobscot Bay rotational area.