The Massachusetts Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs convened on July 30, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the state's seafood industry, particularly focusing on the management of sea scallops. Dan McKernan, director of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), opened the meeting by highlighting Massachusetts as the leading seafood producer on the East Coast, with sea scallops accounting for a significant portion of the industry’s value.

McKernan reported a notable decline in scallop landings, with the 2024 value dropping to approximately $260 million, a 40% decrease from the record highs of 2021. He attributed this decline to various factors, including the post-COVID market fluctuations that had previously driven prices up. Despite the current high prices benefiting the industry, the long-term sustainability of scallop fisheries remains a concern.

The meeting featured Dr. Kate O'Keefe, Executive Director of the New England Fishery Management Council, who provided insights into the federal management of fisheries under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management and Conservation Act. O'Keefe explained the act's evolution since its inception in 1976, emphasizing its goals of preventing overfishing and ensuring sustainable seafood supply and economic benefits for communities.

O'Keefe also discussed the council's ongoing efforts to manage scallop fisheries, including setting annual catch limits to prevent overfishing. She noted that while there have been attempts to reauthorize the act in recent years, no significant changes have been implemented yet.

The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between state agencies and the fishing industry to address the challenges facing Massachusetts' seafood sector. As the committee continues to explore these issues, the focus remains on ensuring the sustainability and economic viability of the state's fisheries.