Scallopers call for easier definition for seed

Nantucket's scallopers are trying to change the state definition for bay scallop seed by asking the Division of Marine Fisheries to add language to shellfish laws stating the seed must also be defined by being less than one inch thick.

The proposed regulation change comes from an ad hoc committee of scallopers, town officials and scientists created after the controversial 10- millimeter growth ring regulation enacted for Nantucket at the start of the season. The Division of Marine Fisheries eventually modified the 10- millimeter rule nine days into the season, allowing scallopers to harvest scallops with shells 2.5 inches in height as well.

The modification to the new rule is temporary and expires on Feb. 11.

The ad hoc scallop committee is recommending to the DMF, with the backing of the Shellfish & Harbor Advisory Board, Nantucket Shellfish Association and Board of Selectmen, that adult scallops also be defined as one inch thick or more.

"It gives a clear and concise definition on seed and that's what's been lacking for all these years," marine superintendent Dave Fronzuto. "Protecting the seed is the most important thing and this does that."

Through Feb. 11 when DMF's emergency regulation expires, or to the end of the season on March 31, should DMF grant an extension of this regulation, scallops are legal at 2.5 inches in height and or with growth rings 10 millimeters or larger.

As of Dec. 12, scallopers have harvested 3,450 bushels and the boat price is $13 per pound. Fronzuto expects the harvest to be at least 5,000 bushels this season.

Should the DMF further define adult and seed scallops by instituting the one-inch shell thickness measurement, scallopers could use this new definition or the 10-millimeter growth ring minimum, he added.

However, the emergency regulation of 2.5-inch tall shells will not apply for future seasons.

"We're not changing the statute, we're putting in a regulation to clearly define seed," said Fronzuto. "That protects all but two percent of the seed. It truly protects the seed, but allows you take the larger scallops."

On Dec. 16, SHAB unanimously voted for the inch-thick regulation, as did the Nantucket Shellfish Association on Dec. 18 and the selectmen on Dec. 22.

Fronzuto believes the DMF's Marine Fisheries Advisory Council will recommend that DMF director Paul Diodati enact the shell thickness regulation; yet, there is a chance that he will not. If that happens and the one-inch-thick measurement is denied at the state level, Fronzuto said that the town could adopt the regulation locally.

The DMF is holding a public hearing to get input from members of the bay scallop industry on Jan. 6 at the Barnstable Senior Center in Barnstable at 3 p.m. and then on Jan. 8, its Marine Fisheries Advisory Council meets to discuss and vote on the proposed regulation change. I