The Niantic River opened for the scallop season Nov. 23, according to the Waterford East Lyme Shellfish Commission.

Permits are required. Only adult scallops with a clearly defined growth ring may be harvested.

Most scallops are not adults capable of reproduction until they reach approximately 2.4 inches. This is why the state statutes were updated from 2 to 2.5 inches.

A definitive size in harvesting scallops is not the best management tool due to growth variations. If there is an early spawn and ideal growing conditions scallops may be greater than 2.5 inches in the fall but are not adults, have no growth ring, and must be returned to the water.

Conversely, there may be a late spawn with poor conditions and little growth. These scallops may only be 2.3 inches the following fall but would be adults with growth rings and harvestable.

Scallops are spawned in the summer, grow, overwinter, reproduce the next summer as adults and most likely do not survive the following winter. The lifespan is generally only 18-24 months. Due to the short lifespan and recent poor populations in the river it is imperative juveniles not be taken and are immediately returned to the river.

Shellfish wardens will be enforcing the clearly defined growth ring as per the permit. The 2.5-inch size may be used as a guideline only. The Waterford East Lyme Shellfish Commission is making handouts available to further explain the regulations.

SUBMITTED BY RICK KANTER, CO-CHAIR OF THE WATERFORD EAST LYME SHELLFISH COMMISSION.