Map of Fishing Grounds

This is an interactive map of Seatrade's Fishing Grounds. Move your cursor over the description of one of our facilities, over an icon, or over one of the red shapes on the map to learn more about a particular area or topic. Click here for a printable version of this map (in Adobe PDF format).



Scallop Anatomy:

Scallop Anatomy

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Nantucket Lightship:

A rectangular area of approximately 1,400 square miles located southeast of Nantucket Island, this area had been closed for many years and reopened in 2006. Jumbo scallops of nearly 10 to 15 years of age were landed with meat counts in the U-6, U-10 size. Many in the industry call this the "Gem of the Atlantic" where 18,000 lb scallop meats harvest limits were reached in as few as 3 days. The Government has yet to determine if the fleet will enjoy access to this area in 2008. This area contains an estimated biomass of 34,000,000 lbs of scallop meats. As with all of the Georges Bank Regional Closed Areas, a by-catch of yellow-tail flounder is closely monitored. When a certain tonnage of yellow tail has been landed, an immediate closure of the area occurs.

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Closed Area 1:

Closed to harvesting since 1994. Reopened for limited scalloping in 2001. This area borders on the Great South Channel, a portion of George's Bank, and is located between Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area 2. Closed Area 1 is perhaps the most difficult area to harvest due to rocks, cobble and swift currents. A stock assessment will be conducted to determine if vessels will be able to revisit the area during the 2008 fishing year. This area is estimated to contain 36,000,000 lbs of scallop meats.

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Closed Area 2:

George's Bank
Furthest from shore and located some 110 miles east of Cape Cod, George's Bank Closed Area 2 covers approximately 2,442 square miles. This area borders the "Hague Line" which separates U.S. and Canadian territorial waters. Vessels must travel an average of 24 hours from limits due to an abundance of Cod fish breeding activity. Typical rocky bottom and foul weather often make this a risky spot for the fleet. Landings produce U-10 and 10-20 meat counts per pound. Vessels are allowed one 18,000 lb trip in 2007. This area is estimated to contain a biomass of 66,000,000 lbs of scallop meats.

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Hudson Canyon:

Hudson Canyon Map
Referred to as a "Mid Atlantic" area, size approximately 1,585 square miles, it is located east of the New Jersey coast. A varied ocean floor consisting of sand, mud and small stones generate an abundance of nutrients that help create very large year classes of scallop spawn. Strong southerly currents spread this "seed" to other scallop grounds located further south, i.e. Elephant Trunk and Delmarva. Hudson Canyon was closed in 1988 and reopened during the 2004 fishing year. Fishermen say that there are massive amounts of juvenile scallops within certain portions of these grounds, promising a bright future of regulated harvesting. Current landings offer meat counts in the 10-20, 20-30 and 30-40 range, with an estimated biomass of 15,000,000 lbs of scallop meats.

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Elephant Trunk:

Connected to and directly south of Hudson Canyon, the Elephant Trunk reopened January 1st of 2007 and has enjoyed a rebuilding period since Government closure in 1998. Vessels were allocated 3 trips of 18,000 lbs in 2007. Geographically, the Elephant Trunk is a square of approximately 60 miles by 60 miles with an estimated biomass of 96,000,000 lbs of scallop meats. This is further proof that tidal flow currents have filled the area with drifting spawn that have taken root and provided fisherman with a bonanza of harvestable scallops. A sandy bottom with no fear of yellow-tail by-catch, harvesting occurs in relatively shallow depths of 20 to 24 fathoms. This area has a seasonal closure during September and October to allow the native turtle migration to occur safely and without interference. The fleet has engineered "Turtle Chains" to prevent the unwanted landing of the species. It is likely that the fleet will be allowed 3 trips per vessel during the 2008 year.

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Delmarva:

Delmarva
Located off the coast of Maryland this area of approximately 1,700 square miles will remain closed until 2010 due to an abundance of scallops in the 50-60 meat count range from the massive 2003 year class. The Government closure will allow these scallops to safely mature and grow to the more marketable size of 10-20 meat counts per lb. Scallops existing in this area now will generate millions of seed scallops over the next 3 years while they are protected from harvest. Random surveys conducted in a joint effort between Governmental regulators and local fishermen will make periodic stock assessments.

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