Volunteer scallop searches are part of Florida’s efforts to restore bay scallop populations. These are no-take outings conducted in areas presently closed to scalloping. Volunteers snorkel and search for scallops, recording the numbers to help monitor and document the health and status of returning scallop populations. While the numbers may vary from year-to-year, it’s most important to find some scallops each year. The volunteer scallop searches help to collect data in a number of regions over a number of years, which is critical if scientists are to develop a comprehensive picture of what is happening with scallop populations.
Scallop Search Results
2009 | 2010 | 2011 | |
Charlotte Harbor | 94 | 163 | 24 |
Pine Island Sound | 335 | 1,027 | |
Sarasota Bay | 15 | 10 | |
Tampa Bay | 32 | -cancelled- |