May 7, 2026 — The following was released by the The Coonamessett Farm Foundation:
The Coonamessett Farm Foundation has released the final report for its project
entitled: Tension in the Air: Using a Tensiometer to Assess Dredge Fullness and Loss During
Haul-back Comparing Different Dredge Configurations. This report was submitted to NOAA
Fisheries in March 2026 and was prepared under the 2024 Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside
Program continuing more than a decade of collaborative, industry-based research. The report
evaluates the performance of three dredge configurations, 5-row apron, traditional 7-row apron,
and extended-link apron, under commercially representative conditions using paired dredge
deployments across four research trips conducted between September 2024 and July 2025 on
Georges Bank and adjacent areas.
A key innovation of this work was the integration of a tensiometer to measure warp tension in
real time, providing a novel approach to assessing dredge loading, performance, and catch loss
throughout both towing and haul-back phases.
This research demonstrated that while the 5-row apron configuration-maintained scallop catch
rates comparable to the 7-row configuration, the reduction in windowpane flounder bycatch was
modest relative to an extended link apron. The 5-row apron configuration as required by
Framework Adjustment 25 represents an incremental improvement rather than an impactful
solution for reducing windowpane flounder bycatch in the sea scallop fishery. Additionally, the
application of tensiometer technology provides a powerful new tool for understanding dredge
dynamics and optimizing fishing practices.
More information about the project and the full report is available here:
https://www.coonamessettfarmfoundation.org/news-1/tension-in-the-air