Sarasota Bay Watch (SBW) is seeking volunteers for a citizen science event to collect data on shellfish, animals and seagrass in Sarasota Bay.
The Great Scallop Search will be on Saturday, August 23 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Participation helps scientists assess the health of the bay and is part of a larger effort along Florida’s west coast to gather information on marine life and water quality.
Volunteers’ efforts during the search will help identify areas of interest for investigation. Using the provided scallop survey equipment, participants will set up an observation area with buoys and ropes. Volunteers then work in teams to record any sea life found within this perimeter. The event allows snorkelers to survey the study area and report their findings to a volunteer who will stay on the surface and document the observations on a data sheet. Once the observation area has been thoroughly surveyed, the team will retrieve their equipment and proceed to the next site.
Kayakers will focus on very shallow areas near the shore. Working in pairs, one volunteer will snorkel while the other records data. Kayakers will be responsible for transporting their survey equipment to these locations.
Boat captains will cover deeper areas working with their designated crew and snorkelers to record life on the bottom. Boat captains are responsible for transporting their survey equipment to these areas. Crew are volunteers who have a boat captain prior to the event. Snorkelers will be paired with boat captains who have additional space on their vessels, space permitting.
All participants (except boat captains) should be prepared to snorkel and must provide their own snorkeling gear.
Choose between two Scallop Search locations: North (Longboat Key) or South (Sarasota Sailing Squadron). Upon arrival, volunteers will check in, collect their scallop survey equipment from SBW and join their designated groups. Groups will receive instructions from SBW, then depart to search for scallops and return the equipment afterward. You must return to the Scallop Search location you started at to return your equipment. Lunch will be provided at the south location.
Experienced boat captains, kayakers and swimmers are preferred for this event.
Tips for participants
- Wear heavy, closed-toed shoes that can get wet like sneakers, water shoes or boots to protect your feet;
- Opt for clothing that covers your arms and legs to ensure comfort and protection;
- Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce waste;
- Don’t forget essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat for sun protection;
- Use a dry bag to safeguard your valuables;
- Only scallop survey equipment will be provided (clipboards, ropes, buckets, etc.). Volunteers must provide all other equipment that they need (snorkels, kayaks, fins, etc.).
Launch locations are: North location – Coquina North Boat Ramp: 1507 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach; South location – Sarasota Sailing Squadron: 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota.
The event is one of Sarasota Bay Watch’s longest and most popular events. It is a great family fun/educational event and also a great way to get friends and family together on the water.
According to SBW Executive Director Ronda Ryan, “When people see what is in and under the water, they can relate to the need to protect this habitat. Seeing is believing!”
Scallop searches are held along the west coast of Florida during the summer months when the scallops are the largest. All the information collected during the searches is shared with scientists at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The Scallop Search is a great example of citizen science at work and an opportunity for the public to interact with marine scientists.
Complete your online registration at the event website to secure your spot and stay informed about updates.
