The potential for scallop culture – the next millenium

World scallop landings increased dramatically inthe last 20 y and in 1996 were about 1.7 million t (whole weight). Aquaculture was the reasonfor this increase and in 1996 accounted for about 90%of landings. Most production of scallops from cultureoperations was from China and Japan (88% of worldproduction) and to a much lesser extent from Chile. Aconsistent 1,000 t annual production from cultureoperations in other countries has rarely been met anddevelopment of the British Columbia scallop culture industry is used as an example to explain the slow progress in achieving higher production. Methods are discussed that could enable establishment of largeeconomically viable scallop culture industries. Thepotential for scallop culture remains high in manycountries but it will require a firm commitment bygovernments and industry to achieve this goal.