The Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight convened on July 30, 2025, to discuss critical issues affecting the fishing industry, particularly focusing on the scallop trade in New Bedford. Mayor Jon Mitchell of New Bedford addressed the committee, emphasizing the city's significant role in the scallop market and its economic implications.

Mayor Mitchell highlighted that New Bedford has been the top-earning commercial port in the United States for the past 23 years, largely due to scallops, which account for 80 to 84% of the total catch value. He noted that annual scallop landings can reach up to $450 million, making New Bedford's port five times larger in annual landings than the next largest East Coast port. This impressive statistic underscores the port's dominance in the seafood processing industry, which includes the largest cluster of seafood processors in the country.

In his remarks, Mayor Mitchell pointed out that only half of the seafood processed in New Bedford comes from local fishermen, with the remainder sourced from various locations, including Boston and Providence. He stressed the importance of the scallop trade, stating that the worldwide daily price of scallops is significantly influenced by the activities in New Bedford.

The meeting served as a platform for discussing the economic impact of the fishing industry on the local community and the need for continued support and oversight to ensure its sustainability. The committee's focus on these issues reflects the broader implications for Massachusetts' economy and the livelihoods of those dependent on the fishing sector.