LUBEC — Maine's prime scallop fishing grounds will stay open deeper into the winter.

The Maine Department of Marine Resources had been considering closing the Cobscook Bay area to fishing to prevent overharvesting scallops. The department said Thursday the area will remain open through at least Feb. 19.

Maine regulators use emergency closures to try to protect the scallop population for future generations. Scallops are one of the most valuable marine resources in the state.

The state's scallops were worth more than $6.7 million in 2020. That was the highest figure since 2017. Maine scallops make up a small piece of the East Coast scallop fishery, which is one of the most lucrative fisheries in the country.

The Maine scallop fishery will end for the year in early spring.