How Japanese Innovation is Changing Scallop Farming
Few people have done more to bring cutting-edge aquaculture tools to Maine than Hugh Cowperthwaite, Senior Program Director for Fisheries and Aquaculture at Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI).
Hugh Cowperthwaite is the Senior Program Director for Fisheries and Aquaculture at Coastal Enterprises, Inc., a community development financial institution located in Brunswick, Maine. Hugh has played a key role in facilitating the transfer of Japanese scallop farming techniques to the Northeastern United States and has organized several trips and exchanges to the northern prefectures of Aomori and Hokkaido.
Hugh first witnessed Japanese scallop farming in action back in 2010. What he observed—especially in Aomori Prefecture’s Mutsu Bay—stayed with him. Six years later, he returned to Japan with a group of Maine fishermen and farmers, accompanied by grant funding and an ambitious plan: to bring back the tools that could elevate Maine’s scallop aquaculture to the next level.
“We purchased specialized equipment, had it shipped back, and started sharing it among different farms… helping growers avoid risky upfront investments while still testing and benefiting from new techniques.”
Among the imported tools:
- Drilling machines for ear-hanging scallops
- Pinning machines to insert dropper line pins efficiently
- Cleaning equipment to reduce biofouling and keep scallops pristine at harvest
The goal? Enhance scallop farming efficiency, reduce physical strain, and improve quality, all while maintaining the care and craft that define small-scale shellfish aquaculture.
“Most of this equipment is stainless steel, high-quality, and designed with Japanese innovation and pride. The growers have been nothing but impressed.”
Handling with Care
Initial concerns arose regarding whether tools designed for the Japanese scallop (Mizuhopecten yessoensis) would also work with the Atlantic sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus). However, thus far, the answer has been a confident yes—with a caveat.
“The Atlantic scallop has a thinner shell, so gentle handling is key. The machines work beautifully—but only if growers treat the animals with care.”
And that’s one of the real wins here: the machines reduce the number of touches scallops experience during the grow-out period. Fewer touches mean lower stress, less damage, and higher survival rates.
It’s Not About Replacing Jobs—It’s About Smarter Work
One concern that arises with the introduction of new technology is the fear of job loss. Hugh was clear: this equipment doesn’t eliminate labour—it makes it better.
“It’s about ergonomics, efficiency, and protecting your body for the long haul. Investing in equipment is investing in the business—and in the people doing the work.”
These machines won’t make headlines on their own. But for the scallop growers using them, they symbolize a quiet revolution: reduced back pain, improved harvests, and higher-quality product.
It serves as a strong example of what occurs when global knowledge intersects with local passion—and when innovation is shared rather than kept in silos.
