Download FAR 2024/36 Dive and dredge surveys of scallops in SCA 1 and SCA CS, 2021

New Zealand scallops (Pecten novaezelandiae) are a species of shellfish that live on the seabed in sandy coastal areas.

Scallops support highly-valued commercial and non-commercial (customary and recreational) fisheries.

Scallop populations in the Northland (SCA 1) and Coromandel (SCA CS) scallop stocks in northeastern New Zealand were surveyed between April and June 2021.

Dredging was the survey method used in commercial scallop fishing areas and diving was the survey method used in non-commercial areas.

In most areas, the abundance of scallops above the minimum legal size was low compared to previous years. Few high-density scallop beds were observed.

More scallops above the minimum legal size were found in commercial areas in Coromandel (mostly in the Mercury, Colville Channel and Little Barrier areas) than in Northland.

More juvenile scallops were found in Bream Bay, Waiheke, Hauraki Gulf, and Mercury where population recovery could occur if the scallops are able to survive and keep growing.