Environment 2nd Annual Scallopalooza Repays the Bay

SARASOTA -- Sarasota Bay Watch is pleased to announce that its 2nd Annual Scallopalooza fundraiser for scallop restoration in Sarasota Bay was a tremendous success, raising more than $20,000. The Sarasota Yacht Club hosted the event that was attended by 140 people representing broad-based support from across the community. "We’re thrilled that our community embraces scallop restoration so enthusiastically“ says Sarasota Bay Watch President Larry Stults. ”This money will fund multiple scallop releases going forward.“

The scallop population in Sarasota Bay has been drastically reduced over the years. Florida Fish and Wildlife experts believe that by raising scallops in shellfish hatcheries and releasing the larvae into our local seagrass beds, a multi-year release program could result in a self-perpetuating local population. Currently harvesting scallops from Sarasota Bay is illegal.

Scallop searches and restoration are core programs of Sarasota Bay Watch. Its inaugural event in 2008 was the first scallop search in Sarasota Bay waters. Since that time SBW has held an annual scallop search every August, this years falling on Saturday, August 11th. ”At each subsequent Scallop Search we found fewer scallops in the bay“ according to SBW Board Chairman Rusty Chinnis ”and so we began searching for a way to more proactively contribute to their revival.“

Enter Scallopalooza, the brainchild of former SBW board member John Ryan and current SBW Vice President and then Commodore Sarasota Yacht Club Jeff Birnbach. A gentleman’s agreement was created between SBW and SYC and Scallopalooza was born.

In its first year SBW exceeded its expectations and raised over $14,000 to initiate the scallop restoration effort. The more than $20,000 generated this year will further sustain this initiative and vastly increases chances of success. Scallop restoration in Sarasota Bay will continue to be a long-term multi-year program. SBW plans three scallop releases in the next twelve months, the second installment of last year's effort and two new batches funded by this fundraiser.

Special thanks to all of the sponsors who so graciously contributed to the success of the 2nd Annual Scallopalooza including the national Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, the Observer Group, Sarasota Yacht Club, ScubaQuest, START, Mote Marine Laboratory and Bay Shellfish Company.

Register for the 5th Annual Sarasota Bay Watch Scallop Search and learn about numerous other volunteer opportunities by visiting www.sarasotabaywatch.org.