Scallop Dredging: Welfare and Ecosystem Impacts

Scallop dredging is one of the most physically destructive fishing methods, with welfare implications for scallops and associated marine species.

Key Facts

Scallop dredges scrape the seabed, removing scallops along with substrate and non-target species
Dredge-caught scallops suffer physical injury and osmotic shock that reduces post-capture survival
Dive-caught scallops have significantly lower damage rates and higher survival in tanks
King scallop populations are managed through minimum landing sizes and closed areas
Aquaculture of scallops using suspended rope culture avoids seabed damage entirely

Welfare Considerations

Scallop welfare during dredge capture involves mechanical injury, osmotic stress from exposure to air and substrate disturbance, and bycatch mortality of non-target species. While scallop sentience is uncertain, physical damage to adductor muscles and mantle from dredge impacts is documented. Non-target species captured in dredges including starfish, sea urchins, and small fish experience the full range of bycatch welfare harms. Rope culture and hand-diving produce higher welfare outcomes for scallops and eliminate seabed habitat destruction. Consumer preference for dive-caught or rope-cultured scallops can drive market change toward more welfare-positive harvesting methods.

What You Can Do

Choose dive-caught or rope-cultured scallops rather than dredge-caught where the option exists
Ask seafood sellers about the capture method of scallops they sell
Advocate for marine protected areas that exclude scallop dredging in sensitive habitats
Support Marine Stewardship Council certification as a minimum standard for scallop fisheries