July 8, 2026 — South Coast scallopers are rejoicing at President Trump’s pledge, on Thursday, to reopen a prime scallop fishing area off Massachusetts.
But the process could take more than 18 months, and Cape Cod scallopers may not benefit as much as those in New Bedford.
“From an industry perspective, access to the Northern Edge would be a blessing,” said Eric Hansen, owner of two New Bedford scallop vessels. “The loss of resource and revenue for the scallop industry for the last 30 years has been huge.”
The Northern Edge, a section of Georges Bank, has been closed to scalloping since 1994.
Aubrey Church, policy director at the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance, said some of the smaller commercial vessels on Cape Cod Cape are unlikely to be able to make the 15-hour trip to the Northern Edge.
Many of Cape Cod’s commercial fishing vessels are dayboats, meaning they go out and return on the same day.
Church said the alliance wants to hear more from its members before taking a position on access to the Northern Edge.
“Understanding how different sectors of the fleet may be affected will be an important part of our discussions with members,” she said.