On Monday, April 21, the Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM) scallop fishery officially reopened with a higher annual quota of 675,563 pounds, part of NOAA Fisheries’ finalized Framework 39 for the 2025 fishing year.
For scallopers from Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire — many of whom have been working the spring season since April 1 — this reopening brings renewed opportunity, especially as project landings are expected to reach 18 million pounds across the broader Atlantic sea scallop fishery. The final rule, published April 18, introduces several changes aimed at maximizing yield and reducing bycatch, including a delayed opening of key access areas until May 15, and new seasonal closures in the Nantucket Lightship and Elephant Trunk areas to protect juvenile scallops.
Well before the ink was dry on NOAA’s final rule, the Maine fleet had already started descending on Gloucester, Mass., in what’s become a springtime ritual. As National Fisherman reported in April 2024, upwards of 40 boats from as far east as Lubec tied up in America’s oldest seaport, all chasing the same 200-pound daily limit.
This year, fishermen gathered in Gloucester for the traditional start of the NGOM season, bringing life and more boats to the fishing city before tourist season gets into full swing. The season opened on April 1, lasted until April 11, and closed from April 11th to April 20th. The scallopers had a slight break in the season.
When the first stretch of the season opened, fishermen were seeing around $40 per pound for 12 counts, and now, with the season opening back up, they expect to see $30 to $40 per pound, which is a significant jump from last year’s $20 to $25 per pounds for the same 12 count.
Scallopers are hopeful the season will stay open until May 1. For the city of Gloucester's rentals, restaurants, and marinas, the fishermen will continue to be able to spend time with fellow fishing friends while catching their daily limit, and supporting the local economy.
"April has turned into a special time of year in Gloucester these days. The NGOM opening is a one-of-a-kind fishing season that brings people from multiple fisheries spanning from New Jersey to Northern Maine to one city for a derby-style season," said Tess Browne, owner of Cape Ann Lobstermen and a buyer of many of the vessels participating in the NGOM season.
"It brings an energy to the wharves and fishing community that has been lost for years. NGOM not only provides us all with the most delicious scallops harvested on the East Coast but reminds everyone involved about the importance of supporting what is left of America’s commercial fishing fleet," Browne shared.
With Framework 39 set to boost projected scallop revenues by $180.8 million relative to default measures, NOAA Fisheries and the New England Fishery Management Council continue to walk a fine line, sharing that they are using the best available science to sustain a fishery that’s both economically vital and environmentally balanced.
In Gloucester, the results speak for themselves: full totes, clean meats, and a fleet that keeps coming back each spring no matter what the weather.
