Summer on Florida’s Nature Coast means one thing for many families and outdoor enthusiasts – scallop season has arrived! From first-time snorkelers to seasoned scallopers, thousands of people will head to the seagrass beds this summer in search of one of Florida’s most unique recreational fisheries.

Scalloping is more than just harvesting seafood. It is an opportunity to spend time outdoors, explore Florida’s coastal waters, and create lasting memories with family and friends. As we enjoy this annual tradition, it is important to remember that the future of scalloping depends on the actions we take today.

Meet the Bay Scallop
Bay scallops are fascinating marine animals. These bivalve mollusks spend most of their lives nestled among seagrass beds, filtering water and helping support healthy coastal ecosystems. They are easily recognized by the bright blue eyes that line the edge of their shells and their ability to swim by rapidly opening and closing their shells.

Bay scallops have a relatively short lifespan, typically living only about 18 months. Environmental conditions such as water quality, salinity, habitat availability, harmful algal blooms, and extreme temperatures can all influence the health of scallop populations from one year to the next.

Small Actions Can Make a Difference
The recreational scallop season occurs before scallops have an opportunity to reproduce in the fall. While current regulations establish harvest limits, many scallopers are choosing to go a step further by voluntarily releasing smaller scallops and targeting larger individuals.

This simple conservation-minded approach allows more scallops to survive long enough to spawn, helping replenish the population for future seasons. When multiplied across thousands of recreational scallopers, these individual decisions can have meaningful benefits for the resource.

The Scallop Sorter Tool

To help recreational harvesters quickly identify larger scallops, Florida Sea Grant and UF/IFAS Extension alongside community partners and scallopers developed the official Scallop Sorter device. This easy-to-use tool allows scallopers to check the size of individual scallops while they are still in the water.

Using the sorter is simple. Place a scallop over the opening in the tool. If it passes through the opening, consider releasing it back into the seagrass bed. If it does not fit through the opening, it is a larger scallop that may be retained. Sorting scallops in the water reduces handling stress and increases the likelihood that released scallops will survive.

Since the program began, thousands of scallop sorters have been distributed to recreational scallopers across Florida’s Gulf Coast. The goal is simple: encourage voluntary conservation practices that help maintain healthy scallop populations while preserving the recreational experience that so many Floridians enjoy.

Scalloping Responsibly
In addition to using a scallop sorter, there are several ways scallopers can help protect Florida’s coastal resources:

1)Follow all harvest regulations and bag limits.
2) Use a dive flag and practice safe boating.
3) Avoid damaging seagrass beds with boat propellers and anchors.
4) Handle scallops gently and return unwanted scallops to the water promptly.
5) Dispose of shells responsibly after cleaning your catch.
6) Keep an eye on weather conditions and always scallop with a buddy.

Enjoy the Adventure
Scalloping offers a unique opportunity to connect with Florida’s coastal environment. Whether you are introducing a child to their first scallop, enjoying a day on the water with friends, or continuing a family tradition that spans generations, every trip provides an opportunity to become a steward of the resource.

This season, consider adding a Scallop Sorter to your gear. Together, we can help ensure that Florida’s scallop populations remain healthy and abundant for years to come.

Have fun, stay safe, and remember: when in doubt, let it grow.

Additional Resources
How to Clean a Scallop Video and Blog Tutorial

How to Scallop Responsibly
Frequently Asked Questions About Scalloping