The majority of scallops are harvested by mechanical drag; in state waters some are harvested by hand by SCUBA divers (“dive caught” or “diver scallops”). Scallops are shucked on the boat shortly after being harvested.

How are scallops caught commercially?

Fish harvesters drag a large cone-shaped net along the seafloor to catch sea scallops. ... As the net is towed at low speed, hydrodynamic forces push the boards outwards opening the mouth of the net and dredging up scallops its path. The net is then hauled to the surface using hydraulic winches and a drum.

Do scallops need to be wild caught?

Shopping for Scallops

Make sure to buy farmed scallops or U.S. wild-caught scallops to ensure that they are sustainable.