Scallops - Hunting Tips

SPECIES ID AND FISHING RULES

Learn more about how to identify scallops, where to find them, and their feeding preferences here: SPECIES ID - SCALLOPS

Limit your catch, don't catch your limit. Please check the latest rules and catch limits in your area on the MPI website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/fishing-aquaculture/recreational-fishing/fishing-rules/
 

GATHERING

The following practical suggestions are designed to help you understand your legal obligations.

COUNT AS YOU GO
You are expected to count each shellfish as you place it in your catch bag. *Freedivers do not have as much time to count and measure on the seafloor so it is reasonable for them to do this at the surface.
The recreational limit and size on scallops varies depending on your location. If you are unsure, always check with your local fish advisory body like MAF. It is your responsibility to know  the rules and regulations.
 
MEASURE AS YOU GO
There are many quick and easy ways to measure your shellfish as you collect them and before you place them in your catch bag. For example, you can mark your catch-bag handle with the minimum legal size for the shellfish you are collecting, or purchase a scallop measurer and catch- bag combo.

MEASURING NEEDS TO BE DONE FROM THE GREATEST DIAMETER OF THE SHELL
Re-check your catch and return undersize or excess shellfish as soon as possible after surfacing.
Scallops can dehydrate and/or overheat quite quickly. Remember that returned shellfish must be given the best opportunity to survive and should be returned to the same place that they were taken from. Returned to a different habitat type (eg: rocky reefs, deep water) will mean that they are unlikely to be part of the spawning population or even survive.
 
ENSURE YOUR SAFETY WHILE DIVING
When diving, be aware of tides, swell, visibility and weather. While many people find shellfish delicious, they are not worth risking your life for! If conditions are deteriorating, you might want to postpone your dive rather than collecting shellfish in a hurry.
 
SHUCKING SCALLOPS AT SEA
People can shuck and eat scallops on board vessels, provided the shellfish are counted as part of their daily bag limit.
 
Auckland Kermadec Area
1st September - 31st March
20 per person + Diver may take additional quota for up to a maximum of 2 safety people per vessel.
Size: 100mm
 
Central Area
15th July - 14th February
20 per person + Diver may take additional quota for up to a maximum of 2 safety people per vessel.
Size: 100mm

Kaikōura area
Shellfish collection is currently banned in the Kaikoura and Cape Campbell regions.
 
Challenger Area
15th July - 14th February
50 per person + Diver may take additional quota for up to a maximum of 2 safety people per vessel.
Size:  90mm 
Since 15 July 2018, the Marlborough Sounds, Tasman Bay, Golden Bay, and Port Underwood are closed to scallop fishing until further notice.
 
South East Area
15th July - 14th February
20 per person + Diver may take additional quota for up to a maximum of 2 safety people per vessel.
Size: 100mm
 
Southland Area
1st October - 15th March 
10 per person + Diver may take additional quota for up to a maximum of 2 safety people per vessel.
Size: 100mm
 
Fiordland Area
1st October - 15th March
10 per person + Diver may take additional quota for up to a maximum of 2 safety people per vessel.
+ No accumulation of scallops daily limits permitted within the Fiordland Marine Area.
Size: 100mm