After a cold February kept Edgartown bay scallopers indoors, the town is looking to extend the season by two weeks.
Pending approval from the state division of marine fisheries, the scallop season would end on April 17, instead of April 1.
The board of selectmen voted at their regular meeting Monday to endorse extending the season.
“We still have scallops available to catch and [fishermen] lost pretty much every day in February to cold temperatures,” shellfish constable Paul Bagnall said Tuesday morning.
Dragging for bay scallops is prohibited in Edgartown when the air temperature falls below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
A total of 80 people hold bay scallop licenses in town, but Mr. Bagnall said he expects five to 10 fishermen to take advantage of the extended season.
“This time of year, they start turning to other things,” he said.
Comments
Comment policy »