Today on Marine Science Minute with Florida Sea Grant: Scalloping!

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. 

Snorkeler holding small scallop and scallop sorter with boat in background.

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.