The Massachusetts Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs convened on July 30, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the scallop fishery, a vital economic sector for the state. The meeting highlighted the importance of community engagement in assessing reliance on scallop stocks, with Massachusetts ports like New Bedford, Gloucester, and Chatham classified as high and medium-high engagement areas.

New Bedford has maintained its status as the top fishing port in the nation by value since 2001, with scallop landings peaking at $565 million in 2021. The committee noted that the Northern Gulf of Maine fishery, primarily supported by smaller vessels, generated approximately $15 million in 2025, emphasizing the significance of Gloucester as a key port for this sector.

Recent trends indicate an increase in scallop abundance, although biomass has decreased due to a significant portion of the population being too small for harvest. The committee discussed the impact of climate change on scallop mortality and the shifting distribution of scallops, with 80% of landings now coming from the Georgia's Bank region.

Management measures under Scallop Framework 39, effective from April 2025 to March 2026, were also reviewed. The projected revenue for the fishery in 2025 is estimated at $350 million. The New England Council is currently developing a strategic plan for the scallop fishery, focusing on long-term sustainability and addressing pressing industry concerns.

Key discussions included the potential for expanding fishing opportunities in the Northern Gulf of Maine and the controversial topic of permit consolidation. While permit stacking and leasing could improve economic efficiency, concerns were raised about limiting access for new entrants into the fishery.

The committee underscored the importance of collaborative management and research efforts to ensure the continued success of the scallop fishery, which remains the most lucrative commercial fishery managed by the council on the East Coast. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing public participation and adaptive management strategies in response to environmental changes affecting the scallop resource.