Scallop fisheries in Western Australia’s Abrolhos islands will not be operating this season due to the effects of a marine heatwave earlier in the year.
Scallop populations have been heavily impacted by the three degree celsius increase in water temperature, with the effects of reproduction being felt almost immediately by the scallops’ short lifespan.
While scallop fishing has not been entirely cancelled, limited numbers means remaining scallops will be left to reproduce, potentially increasing demand ahead of the next season.