Story perspectives

Dorset Fishermen Embrace Sustainable Diving for King Scallops

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dorset’s scallop fishing has shifted from trawling to sustainable diving, now focusing on king scallops.
Dive boats operated by Jon Shuker (dive-boat operator) and Ali Day (dive-boat operator) now dominate the market, testing disco scallops, which use pots with flashing lights.
Queen scallops remain uneconomical due to labor for cleaning, so fishermen target king scallops.
The disco scallops method won a sustainability award, underscoring environmentally friendly fishing practices.

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Story summary

Dorset’s scallop fishing has shifted from trawling to sustainable diving, now focusing on king scallops.
Dive boats operated by Jon Shuker (dive-boat operator) and Ali Day (dive-boat operator) now dominate the market, testing disco scallops, which use pots with flashing lights.
Queen scallops remain uneconomical due to labor for cleaning, so fishermen target king scallops.
The disco scallops method won a sustainability award, underscoring environmentally friendly fishing practices.