M. Butler Abstract Scallop beds on the Scotian Shelf offer an alternative to Georges Bank for the offshore scallop fleet although catch-rates are lower on the Shelf. The 1996 TAC was 175 t. The most recent catch-rates are the highest recorded since 1980. Catches should be maintained at current levels. The resource potential is limited on Middle Grounds.
Recruitment appears to be sporadic.
Catch levels should be kept to a minimum. A scallop fishery resumed on German Bank, at the western end of the Scotian Shelf, in 1993. There had been a seven year interruption in the commercial exploitation. Catch-rates remained low throughout the season. The catch composition showed a greater contribution of small meats compared to previous years.