Scallop fishing rules reminder as season begins

People who want to collect scallops are being reminded of the rules.

The Government of Jersey's Marine Resources Department has reiterated the maximum number divers could legally land is 40 a day, while the limit for people gathering scallops from the shore was 24.

The department also reminded divers and snorkelers they must have a permit for scallop fishing.

The minimum size of scallop which can be taken from the sea as part of conservation measures is 4.13in (10.5cm) to help protect juvenile scallops and other marine life.

Further conservation measures include seeded scallops spawning at least once before reaching this market size, which the government said "helps to boost stocks".

There are two types of scallops in the waters around the Channel Islands - king scallops and queen scallops.

King scallops can grow to more than 7.87in (20cm) in diameter and can live for up to 25 years.

The government said 1,020 tonnes of scallops were landed in 2024, with about 90% caught through dredges and the rest caught by divers.

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