WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to an announcement that NOAA will close the Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM) Scallop Management Area tonight, U.S. Senator Angus King and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree released the following statements today:

“The closing of the NGOM scallop management area will at least result in a temporary respite to the problems caused by the flaws in the current management plan, but it also highlights the continued and critical need to develop a more vigorous strategy that meaningfully and fairly accounts for all harvests in the area and doesn’t pit fishermen against one another,” Senator King said. “The North Atlantic scallop fishery is of high – and increasing – value, and we need to make sure that its management keeps pace with changes in the ecosystem and accounts fairly for all fishermen. I will continue to follow the New England Fishery Management Council’s efforts to see that the 2018 season doesn’t encounter the same issues it did this season.”

“I am glad NOAA has responded to our request for action and is planning to close the NGOM scallop fishery tonight,” Congresswoman Pingree said. “Although we know that the smaller boats have caught their annual quota of 70,000 pounds, we don’t know the total number of pounds that have been taken from the NGOM. This closure will not only allow the New England Fishery Management Council to consider changes to some of these loopholes, it will allow NOAA to accurately determine the amount of total catch that has been harvested this season. I’m going to continue to monitor this issue, work with NOAA and Maine fishermen and women to make sure the scallop industry continues to be a thriving and sustainable fishery.”

Last week, Senator King and Congresswoman Pingree sent a letter to NOAA requesting additional information on measures being taken by the agency to ensure the future sustainability of the Gulf of Maine sea scallop fishery.

Their letter came after the Senator and Congresswoman attended the Fishermen’s Forum earlier this month where they heard concerns that Atlantic sea scallops were being overfished in the NGOM management area. They were able to raise those concerns to NOAA officials during the forum and then also held a joint phone call with NOAA officials last week to discuss the issue.

###