Projects in the Field: Electronic Monitoring in the Gulf of Maine Scallop Fishery

Editors Note: For this month’s edition of Projects in the Field, we’re very pleased to bring you a conversation between Ben Martens and Mary Hudson,of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, as they discuss their NFWF-funded EM work in the Gulf of Maine scallop fishery. Just click on the image below to hear it, or if you’d rather read a transcribed version, here’s a link for that. In either case, you’re in for a treat, because this project is all upside. Mary and Ben have established great working relationships with Council members, observer program staff, fishery managers and fishermen themselves in developing what sounds like a very promising EM solution for acquiring detailed data in a short-season, small-volume but relatively high value small-boat fishery. Also, don’t miss the EM camera’s view of fisherman Alex Todd measuring and shucking his scallop catch.

Projects in the Field is a series of independently produced articles profiling work supported by NFWF’s Electronic Monitoring & Reporting Grant Program, and is meant to raise awareness and support for these important initiatives. The author welcomes your questions and comments. Email Ben Martens.