The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) has approved Framework 39 for the 2025 scallop fishing season, which sees a 28% reduction in the allowable catch to 19.75 million pounds, down from 27.4 million pounds in 2024. This decrease is due to falling scallop biomass levels, as shown by surveys in 2024. The season will also see several access areas closed to fishing. Full-time scallop permit holders will be allowed two trips to specific areas, each with a trip limit of 12,000 pounds, while part-time vessels will be limited to one open area and a trip limit of 9,600 pounds. The council has also deferred certain decisions until a later date.