Seafood Processing & Distribution
Where are Canadian scallops harvested?
5 min read
Canadian scallops are harvested mostly from the cold waters of Atlantic Canada, especially off Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. A smaller amount also comes from the Pacific coast of British Columbia. In other words, when people ask where Canadian scallops are harvested, the main answer is Canada’s East Coast, where the country’s most important commercial scallop fisheries are located.
The main Canadian scallop harvesting regions
1. Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of the best-known scallop-producing provinces in Canada. Harvesting happens in several offshore and inshore areas, including waters around:
- the Bay of Fundy
- the Scotian Shelf
- Georges Bank
- areas near Cape Breton and the mainland coast
Nova Scotia scallops are especially important in the country’s commercial fishing industry, and many are harvested by dredge vessels in offshore fisheries.
2. Newfoundland and Labrador
This province is another major source of Canadian scallops. Harvesting takes place in cold North Atlantic waters, including areas around:
- the Grand Banks
- coastal and offshore grounds off Newfoundland
- parts of southern Labrador waters
The cold, nutrient-rich environment helps scallops grow well and contributes to their well-known sweet flavor and firm texture.
3. Gulf of St. Lawrence and Quebec waters
Canadian scallops are also harvested in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which touches several provinces and includes productive fishing grounds near:
- Prince Edward Island
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Quebec’s Lower North Shore and Gaspé region
These waters support both commercial scallop fishing and smaller local harvests.
4. Prince Edward Island
PEI is better known for oysters and mussels, but it is also part of the broader scallop-producing region in Atlantic Canada. Scallops are harvested in nearby Gulf of St. Lawrence waters and can be landed through local ports in the region.
5. New Brunswick
New Brunswick participates in the Atlantic scallop fishery as well, particularly in the Bay of Fundy and nearby coastal waters. The province’s fishing communities are closely tied to the wider offshore scallop industry.
6. British Columbia
While far less dominant than Atlantic Canada, some scallops are harvested on Canada’s Pacific coast, especially in British Columbia. These are generally a smaller part of the overall Canadian scallop supply.
Are Canadian scallops wild-harvested or farmed?
Most Canadian scallops sold commercially are wild-harvested, not farmed. They are typically collected from natural ocean beds using regulated fishing methods.
That said, Canadian shellfish production can include aquaculture in some regions, so if you’re buying scallops, it’s worth checking the label. The packaging may indicate:
- wild-caught
- product of Canada
- province of origin
- harvest area or fishery zone
If origin matters to you, those details are the best place to look.
How Canadian scallops are harvested
Canadian scallops are usually harvested in one of two ways:
- Dredging: A common commercial method in offshore fisheries, where specialized gear is used to collect scallops from the seafloor.
- Hand collection or small-scale fishing: Used in some coastal or local fisheries, though less common in large commercial supply chains.
Because scallops live on the ocean bottom, harvesting is closely managed to protect the habitat and ensure the fishery remains sustainable.
Why Atlantic Canada produces so many scallops
Atlantic Canada is ideal for scallops because of its:
- cold, clean waters
- strong tidal flow
- nutrient-rich marine ecosystems
- extensive continental shelf and seabed habitat
These conditions support healthy scallop populations and produce the high-quality seafood that Canadian processors and exporters are known for.
What kinds of scallops come from Canada?
When people talk about Canadian scallops, they are often referring to sea scallops, which are the larger scallops commonly found in seafood markets and restaurants.
Canada also has other scallop species, but the commercial market is mainly centered on sea scallops harvested from the Atlantic fishery.
Are Canadian scallops sustainable?
Many Canadian scallop fisheries are tightly managed with:
- quotas
- seasonal openings and closures
- vessel monitoring
- size limits
- habitat protection measures
These regulations help prevent overfishing and support long-term stock health. If sustainability is important to you, look for scallops that are certified by recognized seafood programs or clearly traceable to a Canadian fishery.
How to tell where your scallops were harvested
If you want to know the exact harvest location, check for:
- the country of origin on the package
- province or region listed on the label
- catch zone or fishery code
- processor information
- freshness labels from seafood counters
At restaurants or seafood markets, you can also ask whether the scallops are from Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, or another Canadian region.
Quick answer
Canadian scallops are harvested mainly in Atlantic Canada, especially off Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Smaller amounts also come from British Columbia on the Pacific coast.
FAQ
Are Canadian scallops from the ocean or farms?
Most are harvested from wild ocean fisheries, especially in Atlantic Canada.
Which province harvests the most scallops in Canada?
Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador are among the most important scallop-producing provinces.
Do Canadian scallops come from both coasts?
Yes, but the vast majority come from the Atlantic coast. British Columbia contributes a much smaller share.
Are all Canadian scallops the same?
No. Taste, size, and texture can vary depending on the harvesting area, species, and whether the scallops are from offshore or inshore waters.
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