An underwater shot shows a person's hand reaching down to pick up a dark bay scallop from a lush, green seagrass bed. The swimmer's legs and fins are visible above in the murky, green-tinted water, illuminated by sunbeams piercing through the surface
Marine ScienceMinute
With Florida Sea Grant
Marine Science Minute

Episode 11 – Scalloping


scallops mask, snorkel and fins on boat
Marine Science Minute with Florida Sea Grant
Episode 11 - Scalloping
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Today on Marine Science Minute with Florida Sea Grant: Scalloping!

A snorkeler wearing a blue headwrap and mask surfaces in dark choppy water, holding up a small orange bay scallop shell in one hand and a clear plastic scallop sizing tool with a circular opening in the other. In the clear sunny background, a pontoon boat floats with passengers, and other people swim nearby

Summer means scallop season is here, and sustainability is key. You can safeguard our bay scallop populations for future seasons by following these tips: 

  • Stick to the daily bag limit or, even better, harvest less than the maximum. 
  • Harvest only larger scallops, letting the young ones grow. 
  • Boat and anchor carefully to protect the sensitive seagrass habitats that scallops depend on. 
  • Avoid discarding shells in swimming areas, as shells and soft tissues may cause problems for water quality and boating.  Discard in open waters or bring back to shore. 

Florida Sea Grant has the tools and science to help you dive deeper into sustainable scalloping practices.

For information about this and other coastal topics, contact your county extension office or visit Florida Sea Grant at flseagrant.org.

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