The Western Australian scallop fisheries are, as with most wild scallop fisheries, highly variable with regard to annual production, that variability being mainly due to environmental factors. The fisheries are "managed in a precautionary manner and the risk of overfishing is minimal" (Dredge et al., 2001).

A reduction in the variability of the annual production in the Western Australian scallop fisheries, and an overall increase in production, will be of major benefit to the Western Australian and Australian economies. Before any increase in production can be achieved, some further research is required.

Dredge et al. noted a need to determine the optimum size of spat release, and a need to develop transport procedures to take very large numbers of scallops from hatcheries to reseeding sites. They noted a need for a development phase in the industry to develop and translate hatchery technology to a fully commercial scale, consistent operation, and also a need to test the assumptions made in their report in respect of natural mortality rates of A. balloti at given sizes. This project will address those initial research needs.

The Dredge report noted that there would be considerable economic and social gains to be made from a successful marine ranching or enhancement operation. This project offers the first opportunity to trial commercial scallop enhancement in Australia, noting the eminent qualifications of Elmwood Holdings Pty Ltd according to the Dredge et al. report.