An innovative new gear modification that lifts steel bags used for scallop dredging off the seafloor has shown potential to reduce damage to the seabed during commercial fishing expeditions.

But Goudey's dredge replaces the cutting bar with the line of cups, which redirect the water flow created when the dredge moves, shooting it at the scallops and popping them off the sea floor.

Measuring “seed” scallops collected during the 2026 Sea Scallop Dredge Survey aboard the F/V Selje. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Dana Morton Our Atlantic Sea Scallop Dredge Survey collects data on the ...

Bay scallops brought prosperity and community to the people of Shelter Island. Today, most of the scallops are gone, but some fishermen haven’t given up hope. On opening day of bay scallop season this ...

“So we’re averaging half a scallop per dredge. That’s not going to pay the bills.” MIKE TEHAN, a fishing boat pilot on Long Island, where the once-abundant scallops are dying off. Advertisement ...