Rock scallops are harvested by divers along the rocky high current areas of Oregon's nearshore. They are highly specialized scallops which cement themselves to rocks, primarily in depths from 10 to 150 feet.

Scallops are bivalves, closely related to oysters. As such, they feed on microscopic plankton they filter from the water and reproduce via broadcast spawning.

"Buttons" or the adductor muscle keeps scallops held together tight and is a highly prized delicacy.

Question:

Answer:

Why does ODFW now require a harvest card for rock scallops?

Prior to this system, ODFW had no mechanism to track the sport rock scallop fishery. Data from this harvest card, similar to abalone, will allow fishery managers to understand trends in the fishery, guide research and regulations, and assure the safe continuation of this important sport fishery.

What are you going to do with my information?

Very simply, just track it to understand the harvest patterns in this fishery. Currently, we have no estimates of how many participants there are, where harvest occurs, or the annual trends of that data. Also, if there are management needs, we will then have a list of harvesters to contact for input.

Can I remove only the adductor muscle (button) and leave the shell in place?

No, rock scallops must be landed whole until they are being prepared  for immediate consumption. If they are going to be eaten on the boat this may be acceptable.

Why can’t I leave the shell? There is a lot of life on that shell still!

Not landing whole animals makes enforcement very difficult.  Any epifaunal animals which are living on the shell are not otherwise harvested, and this level of removal is unlikely to affect their populations.

What is the cost of this new harvest card?

Its free

What are the requirements of the permit?

Harvest information must be filled out at time of landing (i.e. at beach for shore diving or on boat when offshore). The harvest card must be submitted to get a permit the following year.

What are some methods I can use to more sustainably harvest rock scallops?

Rock scallops spawn freely, that is, male and females release gametes into the water column where they are fertilized. In order for this to be successful, they need to be close to one another.  For this reason, it is best to harvest solitary rock scallops and minimize harvest pressure on dense aggregations which are more important to the population than those which are solitary.

Permits can be mailed to:

Scott Groth
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
P.O. Box 5003
Charleston, OR 97420

Alternatively, they can be brought in to any one of our coastal offices (Astoria, Brookings, Charleston, or Newport).