The rock scallop (Crassadoma gigantea) lives in the swift current shallows of Oregon's nearshore rocky reefs. Due to the coloration at its hinge, it is also known as the purple hinged scallop. These highly specialized scallops cement themselves to rocks, primarily at depths from 10 to 150 feet. They feed on microscopic plankton they filter from the water and reproduce via broadcast spawning. In order for spawning to be successful, they need to be close to one another. For this reason, it is best to harvest solitary rock scallops and minimize harvest pressure on dense aggregations which are more important to the population than those which are solitary.‌‌‌

Buttons, or the abductor muscle, keep scallops held together tight and is a highly prized delicacy. Rock scallops are harvested by divers along the rocky high current areas of Oregon's nearshore. ‌‌‌

In addition to a Shellfish License, a free Scallop Harvest Permit is required to harvest rock scallops. These permits can be obtained at Astoria, Newport or Charleston ODFW offices. Permits can also be issued by emailing your name, address and ODFW number to odfw.scallops@odfw.oregon.gov. If you can not pick one up at one of the offices, permit will be mailed to you; no electronic issuance is possible.‌‌‌

Harvest information must be filled out at time of landing (i.e., at beach for shore diving or on boat when offshore). The harvest card must be returned to get a permit the following year. Data from this harvest card allows fishery managers to understand trends in the fishery, guide research and regulations, and assure the safe continuation of this important sport fishery.‌‌‌

Scallops brought ashore must be whole and in a condition that size can be determined. Scallops must not be removed from their shell in the field, except when prepared for immediate consumption.‌‌‌