As the season comes to a close, fishermen from the Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM) scallop fleet are wrapping up what has been a bittersweet spring on the water.
On April 25, NOAA Fisheries announced the full closure of the Northern Gulf of Maine Scallop Management Area to all federally permitted limited access general category scallop vessels, effective 12:01 a.m. on April 28, 2025. The closure is triggered once 100 percent of the 2025 NGOM Set-Aside is projected to be harvested, and it will remain in effect until the end of the fishing year on March 31, 2026. Vessels fishing exclusively in Maine or Massachusetts state waters under state permits may continue, but any landings will still count toward their federal quota.
The fleet saw a reopening this year, with the NGOM scallop fishery kicking off on April 1 and announced later than expected, under an increased annual quota of 675,563 pounds, part of NOAA’s finalized Framework 39. Scallopers from surrounding states descended once again on Gloucester, Massachusetts- a city that has become a springtime hub for the NGOM fleet. Boats from as far as Lubec, Maine tied up along Gloucester’s historic waterfront, chasing the derby-style 200-pounds daily limit and contributing to a busy few weeks for the city’s rentals, marinas, and restaurants.
“It brings an energy to the wharves and fishing community that has been lost for years,” said Tess Browne, owner of Cape Ann Lobstermen, who buys from many NGOM vessels. NGOM not only provides us all with the most delicious scallops harvested on the East Coast but also reminds everyone involved about the importance of supporting what is left of America’s commercial fishing fleet.
But even amid full totes and clean meat, the fleet was struck by heartbreak.
This past Friday, 26-year-old fisherman Jaxson Marston tragically passed away after a serious accident aboard the F/V 25 TO LIFE off the coast of Massachusetts. Marston, a young father of one with another child on the way, was fatally injured in the accident. The other deckhand onboard was Jamie Bailey, who was also seriously injured. A good Samaritan vessel had come alongside 25 TO LIFE to see if they could offer assistance. Despite efforts and calls to the Coast Guard, Marston passed away.
“He was an awesome person, super hard worker, great father, he loved his kids,” Browne told NBC Boston. “When you eat seafood, you don’t think about when you get a scallop on your plate, there are people risking their lives every day.”
The NGOM scallop fleet, a community built around springtime in Gloucester, immediately rallied to support Marston’s family. A GoFundMe was launched to support his girlfriend, Kameron, their one-year-old daughter, Kingsley, and their unborn second child, asking for donations to help the family grieve without the added burden of financial stress.
At Cape Ann Lobstermen, Browne and the fishermen organized scallop donations in Marston’s honor. As boats land from their final trips of the season, crews have contributed 50-pound bags of scallops for the family.
"We are the working waterfront. We are family. We take care of each other. Today we take care of the family Jaxson leaves behind," wrote NGOM fisherman Jesse Roche in a Facebook post. "A bag for Jaxson."
As the 2025 NGOM season draws to a close, the community’s strength and unity shine through the heartache- a reminder that behind every pound of seafood are the lives, risks, and bonds that make up America’s working waterfronts.
Please consider donating to Jamie Bailey's road to recovery here and Jaxson Marston’s family here.
