ScallopPink/spiny scallop (swimming scallop)

Details

  • Latin name: 
    Chlamys hastata (hericia)
  • Seafood type: Scallop
  • Harvest method: Butterfly trawl
  • Region: British Columbia
  • Wild/Farmed: 
    Wild
Status: 
Ocean Wise

Pink Scallops

Credit: DFO
Sustainable alternatives: 
BC Pink and Spiny Scallops caught by divers and butterfly trawls are sustainable seafood options.
Sustainability concerns: 
Over-harvesting has occurred in some localized areas. New management measures are in place to eliminate this as a future concern. The unique trawl design used in this fishery reduces bycatch and minimizes habitat disturbance.
Commercial harvest of pink and spiny scallops in BC started in 1982 with the use of divers and small trawl nets. The commercial fishery closed in 1999 because of environmental concerns and localized over-harvesting. The fishery was re-opened operating under an exploratory fishery license, which includes more precautionary measures.
Life History and Population Status: 
Pink and spiny scallops range from California to Alaska. Both mature at around 2years and have a life span of approximately 6 years. Recent stock assessments indicate that populations are stable despite localized depletions in a few areas that were previously over-harvested.
Management: 
The commercial Pink/Spiny Scallop fisheries are managed by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans separately as a dive and a trawl fishery. These are currently operated as exploratory fisheries, which aim to develop biologically-based management plans in order to ensure a more sustainable fishery. Paralytic shellfish poisoning and amnesic shellfish poisoning are of particular concern in pink and spiny scallops because, unlike larger scallop species, they are marketed whole in the shell, fresh or frozen. A toxin outbreak monitoring program and precautionary closures limit the risk of exposure.
Impact on Other Species: 
The trawls used in this fishery are not associated with significant levels of bycatch.
Habitat and Ecosystem Impacts: 
The unique design of trawl (called a butterfly trawl) used in this fishery causes little habitat damage.

Notes:

  • No or little concern in this area.
  • Significant concern in this area.
  • Area under study.