Some people leave their mark quietly, not by seeking recognition, but by showing up, year after year, ready to do the work. For Ernesto Lasso de la Vega, Ed.D., that work often meant slipping beneath the surface, monitoring clams, exploring seagrass beds, and helping restore the waters he loves.
After years of dedicated service on the Sarasota Bay Watch Board of Directors and leading our shellfish restoration program, Ernesto is stepping away from board leadership. While we’ll miss his steady presence and thoughtful leadership, we’re incredibly grateful for the legacy he leaves behind, one built through countless volunteer hours, scientific curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. As one chapter comes to a close, we’re also excited to welcome Dr. Sam Bedgood as the next steward of our clam program.
Ernesto first became involved with Sarasota Bay Watch volunteering at scallop searches, cleanups, and fundraising events. Like many volunteers, he arrived because he cared about our local waters. But he stayed because he cared about the people, too.
“The people that participated in Sarasota Bay Watch,” Ernesto says. “That is the main driving force for my involvement. The activities and events are so much fun, which invite volunteers of all ages to participate and learn about the environment as we take care of it.”
He officially joined the Board of Directors in 2019 and soon found himself taking on an even greater responsibility. When longtime clam program coordinator Larry Shults stepped down, he asked Ernesto to continue leading the program.
“I was happy to continue his legacy.”
For Ernesto, it was a chance to put his background in aquaculture and marine science into practice while helping restore local waters through one of Sarasota Bay Watch’s most unique conservation initiatives.
Over the years, Ernesto estimates he has participated in nearly 100 research dives, monitoring dives, and field operations. Every underwater cleanup, seagrass survey, and clam restoration effort became another opportunity to learn something new.
That curiosity has become one of Ernesto’s defining qualities.
“I have spoken with scientists from Mote Marine Laboratory, Gulf Shellfish Institute, Florida Sea Grant, New College, clam farmers, hatcheries, and many more. It has been a learning experience for me, and there is still so much to discover about nature.”
His willingness to learn from others helped strengthen Sarasota Bay Watch’s clam program while building lasting relationships with scientists, researchers, and restoration partners throughout Florida.
When asked what accomplishment makes him most proud, Ernesto doesn’t point to a single project or milestone.
Instead, he reflects on the opportunity Larry gave him years ago.
“I studied aquaculture and marine science in college, and I saw the opportunity to put this into practice.”
Since then, his greatest reward has been sharing the project with others.
“Every time I presented the clam project to the community, whether it was students, citizens, or scientists, I felt that we were doing something that will last for generations.”
Those presentations helped people understand that clam restoration isn’t simply about growing shellfish. It’s about improving water quality, supporting marine habitat, and inspiring future stewards of our local environment.
During his years on the board, Ernesto has watched Sarasota Bay Watch continue to grow. As he looks toward the future, Ernesto hopes the organization continues to welcome new volunteers and new leaders.
“Volunteers do not do it for the money. They do it because it’s the right thing to do.”
Those words perfectly capture the heart of Sarasota Bay Watch.
To Ernesto, thank you. Thank you for every dive, every lesson, every volunteer you encouraged, and every hour you dedicated to protecting our local waters. Your impact reaches far beyond the clam lease. It lives on in the people you’ve inspired, the partnerships you’ve built, and the healthier waters future generations will enjoy because you chose to show up, year after year, ready to do the work.
Passing the Torch
Fortunately, the future of our clam program is in excellent hands.
We are proud to welcome Dr. Sam Bedgood to the Sarasota Bay Watch Board of Directors. As Assistant Professor of Biology at New College of Florida, Dr. Bedgood brings expertise in shellfish restoration, seagrass recovery, and coastal ecosystems. His research, teaching, and collaborative approach make him a natural fit to help lead our clam program into its next chapter.
Dr. Bedgood has secured competitive research funding, mentors the next generation of marine scientists, and has already partnered with Sarasota Bay Watch on projects that strengthen our clam lease as both a restoration site and a valuable scientific resource.
As Ernesto passes the torch, we’re excited to see the clam program continue to grow under Dr. Bedgood’s leadership. Together with our volunteers, partners, and supporters, we’ll continue building on the strong foundation Ernesto helped create for generations to come.
