June 27, 2014 — Despite a new management structure, Alaska’s commercial scallop fisheries will look much the same as they have in prior years when they open July 1.
The guideline harvest levels, or GHLs, are similar to last year.
Statewide, up to 407,500 pounds of shucked meat could be harvested this season, compared to 400,000 pounds during the 2013-14 fishery, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced June 19.
Participation will also mirror last year, despite a change to the management structure in state waters that saw the end of the vessel-based limited entry program.
After the limited entry for scallops in state waters expired at the end of 2013, the fishery reverted to open access to any interested participant who registered with the ADFG, acquired a permit from the Commercial Fisheries Limited Entry Commission, or CFEC, and followed certain regulations to harvest scallop in state waters.
Although several newcomers registered for the fishery this spring, only former participants — who also have permits to harvest scallops in federal waters — will be making deliveries.
Don Lane of Homer, who was involved in the scallop fishery before it went to limited access, was one of the fishers who registered to participate this year.
Lane said he ultimately decided not to fish because of the timing of the season. The July 1 opening conflicts with salmon season, he said.
“My boat just wouldn’t be available to fish in July,” he said.
Lane said he registered for the fishery to show that he was interested, and that he’s hoping the season will be adjusted in future years, so that the fishery is more accessible to fishermen from Alaska’s coastal communities.
Prior to vessel-based limited entry, Lane said the scallop fishery near Cook Inlet started later, in September. That was a better season for vessels also targeting salmon, he said.
Read the full story at the Alaska Journal of Commerce