Evaluation and Demonstration of Volume Based Standard Scallop Bags for Enforcement and Dockside Monitoring of Trip Limits or Output Controls to Control Scallop Mortality in the Sea Scallop Fishery

This project was primarily meant as a demonstration project to show how the application of a standard bag tag system could benefit enforcement of fishing rules that control sea scallop mortality. Potentially, a standardized bag system does this in two ways: for monitoring compliance with a scallop possession limit and for allowing a transition to output controls where appropriate.  Currently, there is no mechanism, other than intense dockside enforcement to ensure full compliance with either approach.  With the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) current concern for safety the possible transition to output controls may be a possible management choice for the sea scallop fishery.