The Great Scallop Search ’25

Thank you for your interest!
Sign-up for this event is now closed.
Please Contact Ronda Ryan at (941) 232-2363 to check for availability.

We are seeking volunteers for a “Citizen Science Event” to collect data on shellfish, animals, and seagrass in Sarasota Bay. Your participation helps assess bay health and is part of a larger effort along Florida’s west coast to gather information on marine life and water quality. This is an event worth getting the whole family involved!

Volunteers will identify areas of interest for investigation. Using the provided scallop survey equipment, they will set up an “observation area” with buoys and ropes. Volunteers will work in teams to record all the sea life found within this perimeter. Swimmers will scan the water and report their findings to a recorder, 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.

Ways to Accomplish this Goal:
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 Boat Crew or single Snorkelers to record sea life. Boat captains are responsible for transporting their survey equipment to these areas.
Boat 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.**

NOTE: Due to lack of interest, ALL site registration will be held at the SOUTH Location.

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. Please return your equipment to your selected location BEFORE heading to the South location for lunch. Experienced boat captains, kayakers, and swimmers are preferred for this event.

Know Before You Go:
– Your safety is our number one priority! 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.)
– Complete your online registration to secure your spot and stay informed about updates.