306: All of the Scallops

306: All of the Scallops

From Let's Sea by Kait Birghenthal & Ash Gordon

January 21, 2026 · 1h 35m · Season 3 · Episode 6

About this episode

The episode discusses scallops, their unique characteristics, and the success of US scallop fisheries through collaboration with fishers.

Listen in as we chat with Kaitlyn Kowaleski of University of Washington’s Sea Grant to find out how many eyes scallops have, and how oddly similar to Pac Man they are. Stick around to hear Ash’s Art History degree finally come in handy. BIG TAKEAWAY: Because scientists worked WITH scallop fishers to identify the right course of action, instead of without them, the US scallop fisheries are an incredible conservation success story. If you eat seafood, support your community fisheries and the environment at once by choosing local! Resources: 💡Researcher Spotlight: Our Special Guest @katiethemolluscenthusiast 🔎Deeper Dive Read: ‘Scallops: A New England Coastal Cookbook’ by Elaine & Karin Tammi 🌊Conservation in Action: Marine Stewardship Council @mscbluefishtick 🤙Episode Shoutouts: Podcast about marine worms: seagrant.umaine.edu/category/coastal-conversations/ 💰Sustainable Brand We Love: Maine Lobster Now @mainelobsternow for sustainable seafood & their community support Art by Fox and Fish Printing @foxandfishprinting Music by Garrett Gordon and Steve Colwell of High and Dry @highanddryrock and Low Tide @lowtide.hc

People in this episode

Hosts: Kait Birghenthal, Ash Gordon

Guest: Kaitlyn Kowaleski

Topics covered

  • scallops
  • marine conservation
  • fisheries
  • seafood
  • art history

Keywords

  • scallops
  • marine conservation
  • seafood
  • fisheries
  • art history
  • University of Washington
  • sustainable seafood

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Washington’s Sea Grant, Marine Stewardship Council, Maine Lobster Now, Fox and Fish Printing, High and Dry, Low Tide

Books & works: ‘Scallops: A New England Coastal Cookbook’

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