This is the spat bag netting that has been out at sea collecting very young scallops, i.e. spat. A very good haul for scallop fishing. They have just been collected and will now live their lives safe in PenBay's lantern nets. The size of the head of a pin or thumbtack now, they will feed on the plankton in the clean waters of the bay and grow sweet and tender.
After several years of patient and careful tending by scallop farmers like Marsden and Bobby Brewer this year's spat will become delectable treats gracing our tables. Delicious and versatile these farmed sea scallops are destined to become an ever more significant addition to our Maine maritime economy.
Happy New Years!