AFMA hails bumper Bass Strait season as quota lifted to 2001 tonnes

THE Australian Fisheries Management Authority has great news for scallop lovers.

Fish Frenzy's pan-seared fresh Tasmanian scallops with salad and a glass of Tasmanian white wine.

THE Australian Fisheries Management Authority has great news for scallop lovers.

The catch limit for the commonwealth scallop fishery in Bass Strait has been set at 2001 tonnes — the highest since 2011.

The fishery is shared between Tasmanian and Victorian operators.

The fishery to the east of King Island opens tomorrow, just six days after the opening of the Tasmanian scallop fishery on the East Coast with its catch limit set at 620 tonnes.

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AFMA acting chief executive Nick Rayns today said the catch limits, guided by science, meant Australians could rest assured that supplies of quality local scallops were sustainable.

“By buying our mouth-watering Bass Strait scallops, you are supporting local communities and Australian businesses,” Dr Rayns said in a statement.

“Be it pan-seared scallops with a dash of garlic and butter, scallops wrapped in bacon and grilled, or a creamy scallop pasta, you won’t be short of recipe choices to enjoy this versatile seafood.”