Scallops are highly valued and support important commercial, recreational and customary fisheries. The Northland scallop fishery extends from Ahipara at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach, around North Cape and southwards to Cape Rodney, near Leigh on the east coast. The main commercial beds are between Spirits Bay and Bream Bay. Most recreational scallop catch occurs in harbours and embayments closed to commercial scallop fishers (eg Whangarei Harbour, the Bay of Islands). Little is known about the customary fishery.