In southern areas, scallops are primarily found at depths between 45 and 75 m, and are less common in shallower water (25–45 m) due to high temperature.

The highest concentration of many permanent beds appears to correspond to areas of suitable temperatures, food availability, substrate, and where physical oceanographic features such as fronts and gyres may keep larval stages in the vicinity of the spawning population.

In 1994 a new set of management guidelines were implemented including a moratorium on permits, limited days at sea, gear and crew restrictions, and areas closed to fishing.

[13] Scallops in Maine inshore waters are harvested by mechanical draggers or by SCUBA divers ("dive caught").

In 2009 low harvest numbers caused the Department of Marine Resources to cut the season short and proposed a series of management measures.

[14][15] Entry to the fishery became limited, the season was reduced to 70 days, and the minimum ring size was increased to four inches.

[19] The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch lists sea scallops as a "Good Alternative," its second best rating.