The Atlantic Sea Scallop (Placopecten magellanicus), is found in deep waters of the continental shelf. Adult scallops live together in dense groups, called beds, on the ocean floor. They prefer areas of sand, coarse sand, cobble, shells and gravel. The valves (where the two shells meet), are flat, while the upper shell is ridged. Scallops are tan, brown or copper in color. The shell surface is covered with numerous fine threadlike ribs.
Scallops range from Canada to the Mid-Atlantic. They are plentiful off the coast of Maine. This commercially important species is the "sea scallop" found in local markets. The edible portion is the large, adductor muscle that this bivalve uses to open and close its valves (shells). When threatened by predators it claps these rapidly and produces lift, swimming out of danger.
Scallops have a number of blue eyes that rim the periphery of the shell and can be seen as the scallop relaxes.
Scallops usually measure 6 to 8 inches in width. It is estimated they can live for up to 20 years.
The scallop fishery is highly regulated in order to keep it sustainable. Areas where scallops can be harvested are rotated to maximize scallop yields and protect beds of young scallops as they grow. Scallop dredges can have long term effects on habitat. In some cases, areas are closed to scallop dredges to protect sensitive habitats and scallop populations.
According to NOAA, the U.S. fishery is the largest wild scallop fishery in the world. In 2008, 53.5 million pounds of sea scallop meats worth $370 million were harvested Massachusetts and New Jersey are responsible for the majority of the catch.
The scallop reaches reproductive maturity at age 2, but does not significantly contribute until around age 4. A single scallop can produce as many as 270 million eggs during its lifetime. They generally spawn in the late summer to fall, but timing varies according to latitude.
Predators include bottom dwelling species such as cod, wolffish, eel, crabs, lobsters and sea stars (starfish).
