We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Food

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

When Is Scallop Season?

By Valerie Clark
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 46,848
Share

Scallop season is generally observed during the summer months and into the early fall each year. Recreational scallop fishing regulations might specify certain dates when scallop fishing is allowed. Commercial scallop fishing is concentrated off the northeastern coast of the United States and the eastern coast of Canada. Japan and China also produce an abundance of scallops each season.

Summertime is when scallop season begins around the globe. In some places, commercial scallop fishing is banned, but recreational scallop fishing is popular. Vacationers to these places often enjoy spending a day on a boat while snorkeling and collecting scallops by hand.

The northeastern U.S. coast and the eastern Canadian coast are home to the largest wild fishery during scallop season. Commercial scallop fishers in this region catch Atlantic sea scallops. After a period of over-fishing, the population of Atlantic sea scallops recovered and reached historically high numbers during the early 21st century.

Other areas of the world are also part of the commercial scallop season industry. Behind the northern Atlantic coast of North America, Japan and China are the next-biggest producers of scallops. Japan’s scallops are either caught in the wild or grown in aquaculture. Most of China’s scallop harvest is grown in aquaculture.

Harvesting scallops from aquaculture might be more sustainable in some regions than wild fisheries. Scallop population sizes have suffered in many parts of the world as a result of over-fishing. As a result, scallop fishing has been banned in some places. Researchers have been conducting studies to better understand the scallop population dynamics and harvesting practices.

Scallops are shellfish that live on the bottom of the ocean floor. Commercial fishermen typically catch scallops in the wild using a dredge or trawl that disrupts the ocean bottom and the habitat of the marine life there. Divers also can collect scallops by hand. Catching scallops by hand drastically reduces the habitat disturbance, and some people think that it yields a better-tasting crop.

Whether the scallops are collected by hand or by dredge, the warm-weather scallop season creates the opportunity for new seafood recipes. Cooking with scallops is like cooking with clams. They can be steamed or boiled and tossed with garlic butter and a little seasoning, then served alongside a plate of pasta, crab cakes or steak.

Share
DelightedCooking is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon998023 — On Apr 02, 2017

If the U.S. government had its way, we would be importing them from other countries that have no scruples or morals about over fishing.

By Ruggercat68 — On May 20, 2014

I'm glad there is a regulated scalloping season in Florida. There have been other seafood species that have been overfished nearly to the point of extinction. I love scallops, and I don't want to see the price shoot up because of greed.

By Phaedrus — On May 19, 2014

I've heard you really have to know your sources when it comes to buying scallops. Some unscrupulous fisheries will cut out scallop-shaped plugs from other types of fish, like shark, and sell them as real scallops. Be sure you deal with legitimate fish suppliers who are willing to show you samples of the scallops before you buy them.

Share
https://www.delightedcooking.com/when-is-scallop-season.htm
Copy this link
DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.