Swimming Seashells

Summer is here and seafood lovers are taking to the water with their masks, fins and snorkels looking for dinner. The season for recreational harvesting of bay scallops is open from July 1 - September 10 from the Hernando/Pasco County line north to Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County.

Bay scallops have two shells and 30-40 bright blue eyes which they use to detect movement. When threatened, the scallop can swim backwards by clapping its valves and expelling water rapidly. Scallops need clear saltwater with lush seagrass beds to live. The seagrasses provide food and protection for the scallops and improve water quality.

Bay scallops (Argopecten irradians) inhabit coastal bays from New England to the Gulf of Mexico. They are popular for recreational harvest because they inhabit shallow waters. In recent decades the population in Florida has diminished greatly and is unable to support harvesting in many areas. While recreational harvesting is permitted in some areas of Florida, commercial harvest of the species is prohibited. Other species of scallop are present in Florida, but are only occasionally harvested recreationally.

Scallops are highly sensitive to changes in water quality. They provide early warning signs for scientists who monitor the quality of Florida’s coastal waters. In particular, scallops are very sensitive to changes in temperature, salinity and turbidity. Species that provide these early warning signs are often referred to as "indicator species".

CAMA staff is studying bay scallop populations around the Gulf of Mexico in order to determine the causes of declining bay scallop populations. The Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves office uses scallop spat (juvenile scallops) collection bags in Pensacola Bay to link spat populations with changes in water quality and seagrass habitat. Big Bend Seagrasses, St. Joseph Bay and Pine Island Sound aquatic preserves also monitor water quality and restore and protect seagrasses to improve habitat for scallops.

For More Information:

• Bay Scallop Season Regulations: http://myfwc.com/marine/bayscallops.htm
  
  
• Bay Scallop Information: http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=6287
  
  
• Bay Scallop Restoration Projects: http://www.flseagrant.org/program_areas/fisheries/scalloping/index.htm

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