Regulatory delays are expected to restrict fishermen from harvesting scallops from federal waters in the Gulf of Maine for several weeks. The temporary closure, anticipated within five days, would be the first midseason shutdown by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) since regulations were established 16 years ago. Fishermen diving for scallops near Maine’s coast will remain unaffected, as federal waters begin three miles offshore.
Typically, NOAA approves annual rules by April 1, coinciding with the start of the federal scalloping season. In the absence of these rules, a stopgap measure is currently in effect, allowing a limited amount of fishing. This limit is nearing its cap. Members of Maine’s fishing community cite challenges faced by NOAA Fisheries during the presidential transition and federal staffing reductions, part of President Donald Trump’s government spending cuts. This uncertainty adds tension to Maine’s scallop industry, which has a short and demanding season.
Under current regulations, the Northern Gulf of Maine, established in 2008, has an annual scallop catch limit based on population assessments. While the New England Fishery Management Council proposed increasing the catch to over 675,000 pounds in 2025, final approval requires NOAA Fisheries’ endorsement at both regional and headquarters levels. Without finalized rules, fisheries default to a temporary quota system to prevent overfishing, even if proposed rules are later adopted.
NOAA has not commented on the anticipated closure. However, according to the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, the default quota permits a collective catch of 315,449 pounds of scallops, with about 229,000 pounds already caught. This situation is not unique to scalloping, as similar issues affect other fisheries.
Maine scallopers, mostly operating from Gloucester, Massachusetts, face tough decisions amid the uncertainty. They must weigh whether to wait out the closure, possibly missing out on a profitable season, or to return home and prepare for the lobstering season, which begins in May and requires extensive preparation.
Impact on Daily Life
The impending closure of the Gulf of Maine scallop fishery has significant implications for the local fishing community. Fishermen, many of whom rely on the season’s income, face financial uncertainty and logistical challenges. The delayed catch limits disrupt long-standing patterns, forcing fishermen to reconsider their strategies and potentially abandon a lucrative scalloping season.
For Maine fishermen, the choice between waiting for the fishery to reopen or returning for lobstering season is fraught with uncertainty. The decision impacts not only their income but also personal lives, with families and local businesses affected by their absence or presence. The situation underscores the broader challenges of relying on federal regulations and highlights the need for greater stability and predictability in fisheries management.