A groundbreaking study from the University of Maine’s Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI) and Darling Marine Center is shedding light on the most effective methods for farming Atlantic sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus), a high-value shellfish gaining traction in Maine’s aquaculture industry.
Comparing Scallop Farming Techniques: Ear-Hanging vs. Lantern Net Culture
Published in the journal Aquaculture, the research analyzes two popular scallop aquaculture techniques—ear-hanging and lantern net culture—across a complete grow-out cycle. The goal? To determine which method yields better results in terms of scallop growth, adductor muscle weight, and overall profitability for commercial shellfish growers.
Led by UMaine postdoctoral researcher Dr. Christopher Noren, the four-year study partnered with two scallop farms in Penobscot Bay and Frenchman Bay to track growth rates, shell size, and muscle development.
Key Findings: Ear-Hanging Shows Growth Advantage
The study found that scallops grown using the ear-hanging method showed superior results in several key metrics:
- Shell height: 1%–4% larger compared to lantern net culture.
- Adductor muscle weight: Up to 12% greater, a crucial factor for market pricing and consumer demand in U.S. seafood markets.
Since the adductor muscle is the primary edible portion of the scallop, this increase represents a meaningful boost in commercial value.
“We aimed to deliver actionable data for scallop farmers,” said Dr. Christopher Noren. “By evaluating both methods through a full farming cycle, we identified clear biological and operational advantages.”
Environmental Considerations and Temperature Effects
The research also highlighted how water temperature influences scallop growth. Scallops in ear-hanging setups grew more efficiently in optimal water temperatures (50–59°F), but they were slightly more vulnerable to colder winter conditions compared to those in lantern nets.
“Understanding these trade-offs is critical for farmers planning their harvest timing and production strategies,” added Dr. Damian Brady, UMaine oceanography professor and co-author of the study.
Supporting Scalable, Sustainable Scallop Farming
Maine’s scallop aquaculture sector is still emerging, with growers exploring scalable and sustainable farming models. Traditionally, suspended lantern net systems are used due to their multi-tiered design, but they require significant maintenance to manage biofouling—the buildup of algae, barnacles, and other marine organisms.
In contrast, the ear-hanging method, inspired by Japanese scallop farming, involves drilling a small hole in each shell and suspending scallops on a submerged line. This allows better water circulation, potentially improving growth rates while reducing labor-intensive cleaning.
“This research gives us measurable data that helps us make informed decisions,” said Andrew Peters, owner of Vertical Bay LLC and co-author. “Choosing the right gear has a real impact on our efficiency and profit margins.”
A Step Toward Domestic Seafood Security
With the U.S. importing the majority of its seafood, including scallops, this study contributes valuable insights for enhancing domestic aquaculture capabilities. By identifying optimal farming methods, researchers are helping Maine build a more resilient and profitable scallop industry.
Learn More
- Research Title: Comparing growth of ear-hanging and lantern net cultured Atlantic sea scallops, Placopecten magellanicus, over a complete grow-out cycle to determine optimal harvest timing
- Authors: Christopher Noren et al.
- Published in: Aquaculture (2025)
- DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaculture.2025.742408