The federal government plans to allow scallop fishermen to catch more of the shellfish next year as consumer demand for them grows.

The New England Fishery Management Council approved rules on Wednesday that are expected to yield about 47 million pounds of scallops during the fishing year that begins in spring 2017. The decision is expected to allow fishermen to continue catching more scallops than they did just a few years ago.

Gulls seeking scraps follow a fishing boat where a sternman shucks scallops off Harpswell. Regulators are allowing fishermen slightly more access to limited scallop fishing areas next year. Associated Press File Photo/Robert F. Bukaty

The scallop dragger Jacob and Joshua sails in Casco Bay. The federal government plans to allow fishermen to catch more scallops next year as demand for the shellfish has grown. File photos/Tom Bell

Maine fishermen hauled in nearly $6 million worth of scallops in 2015.

MAINE SCALLOP FISHERY

YEAR       POUNDS          VALUE

(                (of meat)           (millions)

2015        452,672             $5.75

2014        605,360            $7.67

2013        505,838            $5.66

2012        292,476            $3.25

2011        175,116              $1.75

2010       193,753             $1.55

2009        79,923               $0.59

2008        136,556             $1.01

2007         177,091             $1.41

2006         155,685            $1.26

2005           33,141             $0.27

Source: Department of Marine Resources

The new projection represents a slight increase from this year’s rules, which are expected to allow fishermen to catch 46.9 million pounds of scallops. That was a 30 percent increase from the 36 million pounds of scallops fishermen landed in 2015.

“We’re happy. It’s a valuable fishery right now,” said Jimmy Wotton, a Maine scallop fisherman. “People are starting to recognize it’s a top quality product, and they are willing to pay for it.”

Fishermen are expected to land the extra scallops in an era when price to consumers is increasing and scallops are growing in popularity.

Sea scallops were worth a little less than $6.50 per pound at the dock in 2006 and have since tracked up, fetching more than $12 per pound in 2014 and 2015. Prices have also gone up at seafood markets and restaurants.

“We’ve certainly seen prices at the auction have been strong,” said Jonathon Peros, a scallop plan coordinator with the New England Fishery Management Council.

Regulators are also allowing fishermen slightly more access to limited scallop fishing areas next year. Fishermen were allowed three trips to the limited areas this year and will be allowed four next time.

U.S. fishermen bring scallops ashore from Maine to North Carolina. Massachusetts has by far the largest scallop fishery in the country, centered around New Bedford, and accounted for more than half of the country’s scallop production last year.

New Jersey and Virginia have significant scallop fishing fleets, as well.

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