The Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs convened on July 30, 2025, to discuss the Sustainable Scalloping Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the stewardship and sustainable management of the Atlantic sea scallop fishery. The meeting featured key representatives from the fund, including General Counsel Sam Blaschley and President John Lees, who outlined the fund's objectives and the importance of the scallop fishery to Massachusetts' economy.

Blaschley emphasized that the scallop fishery generated over $450 million in landed value in 2023, accounting for more than 80% of the revenue through the Port of New Bedford. He highlighted the industry's role in supporting thousands of jobs across various sectors, including fishing, processing, and marine supply. The scallop fishery is recognized as one of the best-managed fisheries globally, thanks to significant investments in scientific research and collaborative governance.

The Sustainable Scalloping Fund aims to provide a stable platform for fisheries management, focusing on critical research, adaptive management, and ecosystem protection amid challenges such as climate change and regulatory uncertainty. Blaschley noted that the fund does not seek public funding but rather a partnership with the Commonwealth to align state priorities with the industry's sustainability goals.

A key point of discussion was the potential reopening of the Northern Edge of Georges Bank, an area closed to scalloping for decades. Recent scientific surveys indicate that parts of this area could support sustainable harvesting, which would benefit the fleet and the local economy while ensuring the long-term health of the scallop resource.

The meeting underscored the importance of the scallop fishery to Massachusetts and the commitment of the Sustainable Scalloping Fund to promote sustainable practices and economic resilience in the industry. The committee's engagement with the fund reflects a growing recognition of the need for collaborative efforts to support the state's vital fishing heritage.