Harvesters

Harvesters are used to collect shellfish from the sea floor.

Species targeted

Towed harvesters are used in the Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery to collect shellfish such as scallops from the sea floor.

How harvesters work

The harvester used in the Scallop fishery is constructed of a heavy steel frame covered with steel mesh but open on the front side which is towed and is used to dig scallops out of the sand and mud.

The harvester is towed along the bottom until it is full, then lifted onto the boat and the contents tipped out.

Environmental impacts and management

Fishing using the harvester method impacts species and the environment on the sea floor. Scallop harvesters can only be used on mud and sand at the sea floor which limits environmental impacts.