A new study compares two scallop farming methods, ear-hanging and lantern net culture, over a complete grow-out cycle to determine which approach yields the best results for commercial growers. The study found that scallops grown with ear-hanging culture had slightly larger shell heights, about 1-4% greater than those in lantern nets. More significantly, ear-hanging scallops had up to 12% more adductor muscle weight. Researchers also found that ear-hanging scallops grew more quickly in optimal conditions, which are between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit, but were more affected by colder winter temperatures than those in lantern nets.