Download FAR 2024/57 Dive and dredge surveys of scallops in SCA 7, 2021

New Zealand scallops (Pecten novaezelandiae) are a species of shellfish that live on the seabed in sandy coastal areas. Scallops support highly-valued commercial and non-commercial (customary and recreational) fisheries, but the main fisheries are currently closed due to sustainability concerns.

Scallop populations in the Marlborough Sounds and in parts of Tasman Bay, within the Southern (SCA 7) scallop stock at the north of New Zealand’s South Island, were surveyed in May¬–June 2021 to evaluate the status of the stocks. Dredging was the survey method used in commercial scallop fishing areas and diving was the survey method used in non-commercial areas. The dive survey was the first survey of scallops carried out in non-commercial areas in SCA 7, whereas the dredge survey sampled the same areas as those surveyed in the 2020 dredge survey.

In most areas, the abundance of scallops above the minimum legal size was low and there were no signs of overall scallop population recovery despite the continued fishery closure. Few high-density scallop beds were observed. More scallops above the minimum legal size were found in the outer Sounds (at the Chetwode Islands and Guards Bay), in Queen Charlotte Sound, and in Croisilles Harbour.

The abundance of small scallops was also low and similar to the levels in 2019 and 2020. The arrival of more small scallops in areas with good quality habitat could help with population recovery if the scallops are able to survive and keep growing.