Creating sanctuaries and aggressively managing the protection of juveniles are two of the low-cost ways towns can jump-start their bay scallop fishery, according to the results of a five-year study into how to promote the growth of bay scallops in local coastal ponds.
The federally funded study was conducted by the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). Bret Stearns, natural resource director for the tribe, said this week the $392,000 U.S. Fish and Wildlife study has produced results that coastal communities can use and many of the suggestions aren’t expensive.
The bay scallop fishery has been troubled throughout the region for many years. More than 20 years ago, communities on Cape Cod and out on Long Island depended on the fall and winter fishery for income. Yet Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard seem to be the only communities in the region that have consistently produced bay scallops in harvestable numbers.
Read the complete story at The Vineyard Gazette Online.