Aquaculture

Farmed Scallop Dredging Welfare

Scallop dredging from wild populations causes significant physical trauma and stress, with farmed alternatives offering potential welfare improvements through less traumatic harvesting.

Key Facts

Wild scallop dredging uses heavy metal frames that scrape the seabed and crush bivalves
Dredge bycatch includes non-target species with high mortality rates
Farmed scallops grown in suspended cages are harvested by hand without dredging trauma
Scallop sentience evidence is limited but precautionary welfare approaches are warranted
Market preference for farmed over dredged scallops could drive welfare-positive industry transition

Welfare Considerations

Dredging causes traumatic injury and high mortality in scallops and non-target species. Farmed scallop alternatives and hand-diving provide more humane harvest options.

What You Can Do

Choose farmed or hand-dived scallops over dredged alternatives where available
Support MSC or other certification requiring scallop harvesting method transparency
Raise awareness of dredging welfare and habitat impacts in seafood purchasing discussions
Advocate for restrictions on scallop dredging in sensitive seabed areas