Research Track Assessment Report for Atlantic Sea Scallops 2025

The Northeast Region Coordinating Council (NRCC)1 has developed an enhanced stock assessment process to improve the quality of assessments. The process involves two tracks of assessment work: 1) a management track that includes routine updates of previously approved assessment methods to support regular management actions (e.g., annual catch limits), and 2) a research track that allows comprehensive research and development of improved assessments on a stock-by-stock or topical basis. The research track assessment process allows for a more thorough review of information available and for the evaluation of different assessment approaches than would be possible in a standard stock assessment process where the results are immediately used for management advice. This Panel reviewed the Research Track Assessment for the Atlantic Sea Scallop stock.