No Decision On Whether To Reopen Scallop Grounds

A regional fisheries panel has put off a vote on whether to reopen scallop areas on the northern edge of Georges Bank.

The New England Fisheries Management Council, meeting in Mystic Connecticut, couldn't agree on specifics of the plan, and put off any action till at least June.

Mayor Jon Mitchell attended the meeting, and was hoping for a compromise to get those areas reopened. "The northern edge of Georges bank, by all accounts, has an abundance of scallops which means an abundance of opportunities for our scallop fleet, and the shoreside businesses that support that fleet."

Mitchell said the scallop grounds on the northern edge of Georges Bank have been closed for 20 years.

The Mayor presented a petition to the council containing 380 names of people involved in the fishing industry who support reopening the scallop grounds.