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Common name - Scallop, Queen
Scientific name - Aequipecten opercularis
Average rating
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Visit Fishonline for the full range of options available for this species.
Consumer Information
Scallops are bivalve molluscs which are widespread and common. Two types are commonly available; the larger king scallop (often sold with the roe attached), and the smaller queen scallop, usually sold as meat only. The two shells are fairly large and a familiar fan shape. Since mediaeval times the scallop shell was worn as a badge by pilgrims visiting the shrine of St James, in Santiago de Compostela. We eat the white adductor muscle which it uses to close it’s shell and the orange (female) and creamy (male) roe. Mechanical harvesting methods such as dredging causes damage to the seabed, so choose diver-caught king scallops. These are generally larger and of better quality than scallops dredged off the seabed. Dive-caught is a much more selective method of capture and causes no damage to the seabed compared with dredging. King Scallops are also occasionally farmed. Queen scallops are available via otter trawling, which offers the best option. King Scallops are sometimes sold live in their shells, while both types are sold as the meat only – removed from the shell (fresh or frozen). Shallow fry, hot and quick, season lightly to preserve the subtle but delicious flavour.
Summary
Queen scallops represent a potentially sustainable fishery species due to their biological characteristics, although the use of dredges significantly influences its sustainability rating, along with its limited stock assessment and management throughout much of the UK. MCS recommends choosing this species from areas with appropriate management in place and using less environmentally damaging harvest methods, such as otter trawl. However, as with king scallops, a much more coordinated and appropriate management system needs to be applied throughout the UK for this species. Farming of the species remains a potentially viable industry, but remains small and variable. Scottish production in 2009, (Scotland is the only aquaculture-producing country), was approximately 6 tonnes from 2 farms. Recent wild-spat collection has been poor and a dedicated hatchery does not currently exist.
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
Visit Fishonline, the website for the seafood industry, for more detailed information about this species.