The Marine Biological Association (MBA) recently hosted a collaborative Scallop Potting Workshop, bringing together fishermen, regulators, researchers, industry representatives, businesses, and environmental NGOs for a full day of focused discussion on the future of this promising low‑impact fishery.
Organised by Fishtek Marine in collaboration with Richard Harris from 3KQ LIMITED, and the MBA, the workshop moved away from presentations and instead prioritised hands‑on, solutions‑focused dialogue.
The workshop centred on the pioneering method of scallop potting using light, popularly known as the ‘disco scallops’ technique. The approach uses small underwater lights to attract king scallops into static pots, offering a significantly lower seabed impact than traditional dredging. With growing interest from the UK’s inshore crab and lobster fleet, scallop potting represents an important opportunity for fisheries diversification and coastal economic resilience.
Tom Hooper of Fishtek Marine said: “Bringing fishermen, their representatives, marine managers, scientists, the seafood sector and NGOs together to address the challenges and opportunities of scallop potting is essential to securing this new fishery as a permanent and valued part of the UK fishing industry.”
Reflecting on the workshop, Dr Bryce Stewart, said: “This was an excellent and inspiring workshop on the future of scallop potting. It was wonderful to see so many people from different sectors – scientists, environmentalists and fishermen – sharing their knowledge, ideas and enthusiasm for this innovative fishery.”
