The D'Entrecasteaux Channel scallop fishery: its past and possible future

The history of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel scallop fishery is discussed and its past and present structure and management are examined, with a view to providing a basis for future management. It has opened or closed over the years as production has fluctuated, closure being forced again in 1986 by evidence of overfishing and the sudden appearance of the toxic dinoflagellate alga Gymnodinium catenatum Graham. Lack of a comprehensive management plan impedes dealing with difficult administrative and biological problems or unexpected developments such as increased amateur participation or the present preponderance of the doughboy scallop (Chlamys asperrimus Lamarck) over the commercial scallop (Pecten fumata Tate). This is a serious obstacle to successful conservation and utilisation of the resource. Recommendations concerning the future of the fishery are made, in particular that the the fishery should be amateur-only while scallop stocks remain low.
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