ANREP Gold Award Winner - Short Publication
Brittany Hall-Scharf and Victor Blanco, University of Florida
Let ‘Em Grow: Scalloping Best Practices is an educational publication designed to promote sustainable bay scallop harvesting along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Available in both digital and print formats, this resource provides recreational scallopers with clear, step-by-step instructions on how to replicate and use the scallop sorter tool in the field.
Once abundant in Florida’s waters, bay scallop populations now face threats from habitat loss, harmful algal blooms, and overharvesting. While state wildlife officials enforce bag limits, seasonal restrictions, and designated harvesting zones, concerns remain among stakeholders regarding fishery management practices. The derby-style nature of the fishery, variability in scallop sizes, and confusion over bag measurement methods have all been cited as challenges that impact sustainability.
To address these concerns, Florida Sea Grant Agents developed the scallop sorter tool alongside an educational campaign to promote responsible scalloping. Secured funding allowed for the production and distribution of over 4,000 scallop sorter tools, which were provided to fishery participants at launch points, marinas, charter operations, and fishing clubs. However, given the vast geographic scope of the fishery and the number of participants traveling from across the region, direct distribution to all scallopers remains a challenge.
This short publication was created to complement these efforts by offering a DIY solution, guiding participants in crafting their own scallop sorter using readily available materials. By providing an opportunity to customize their own tool, the publication encourages additional stakeholders to adopt the voluntary best practice of selecting larger scallops and returning undersized ones to support future populations.
Click here to see the publication.