The Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM) scallop fleet is set to get back to work April 1, but as fishermen prepare for the final stretch of the spring season, they’re doing so under a significantly smaller quota than last year.

Under NOAA Fisheries Framework Adjustment 20, total allowable landings (TAL) for the 2026 fishing year are set at 484,753 pounds – down from 675,563 pounds in 2025, when the fishery reopened April 21 under Framework 39.

After deductions to support research and observer coverage, the usable NGOM set-aside for 2026 comes in at 437,867 pounds, according to a March 27 NOAA Fisheries bulletin. The agency notes it will “closely monitor” landings and close the fishery once the set-aside is reached.

Despite the lower quota, the structure of the fishery remains familiar. Vessels are still limited to 200 pounds of shelled scallop meat per trip, with the opportunity to land up to 325 pounds on a trip with an observer through a 125-pound observer compensation credit.

For many in the fleet, the rhythm of the NGOM season – short openings, quick turnarounds, and a derby-style pace – is nothing new.

In 2025, fishermen from Maine to New Jersey once again converged on Gloucester, Mass., continuing what has become a spring tradition. Boats tied up across the waterfront, chasing the same 200-pound daily limit, bringing a surge of activity to the historic port ahead of the tourist season.

“April has turned into a special time of year in Gloucester these days,” said Tess Brown, owner of Cape Ann Lobstermen, a local seafood buyer in National Fisherman’s 2025 coverage. “The NGOM opening is a one-of-a-kind fishing season that brings people from multiple fisheries spanning from New Jersey to Northern Maine to one Massachusetts city.”

That energy has become as much a part of the fishery as the catch itself – a brief but intense window where scallopers fill the docks, local businesses see a boost, and crews reconnect after a long winter. 

Last year, strong prices helped fuel that momentum, with 12-count scallops fetching $30 to $40 per pound, a sharp jump from the $20 to $25 range seen the year prior. This year, prices are expected to be around $30 to $40 per pound; however, only rumors are circulating. 

With the smaller quota on the table in 2026, the season may move even faster. NOAA Fisheries has made clear that the fishery will close as soon as the allocation is reached, putting added pressure on vessels to maximize each trip.

At the same time, the agency continues to balance access with oversight. Requirements remain in place for electronic vessel trip reports, pre-landing notifications, and participation in the industry-funded observer program. Vessels are also prohibited from transiting restricted areas, including the Western Gulf of Maine Closure Area.

The fact-paced, high-value fishery kicks off tomorrow, drawing together a wide swath of the fleet for a few critical weeks this spring. After last year’s tragic incident, fishermen are heading into the season with cautious optimism – buoyed by strong prices, hopeful for good weather, and more focused than ever on safety.