Local citizens became scientists at the Sarasota Bay Watch’s eighth annual scallop search on Aug. 29.
By
Kristen Herhold
| 10:50 p.m. August 29, 2015
Longboat Key
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“Scallops used to be abundant here. We’re working hard to bring them back. It’s time to have scallops back in our Bay.” — Sarasota Bay Watch Chairman Larry Stults
Local citizens became scientists at the Sarasota Bay Watch’s eighth annual scallop search on Aug. 29.
More than 140 volunteers searched the Sarasota Bay for scallops and enjoyed a lunch at Mar Vista after their search.
“Over the years, we’ve developed an army of volunteers,” Sarasota Bay Watch Chairman Larry Stults said. “It’s a nice way for people to get together and have fun while helping out.”
Krista Toomre with Thomas, 11, and Camille Johnson, 12
Sarasota Bay Watch Chairman Larry Stults and Student Board Member Delainey Dietz
Ashley Baggett and Captain Ron Gauthier, of Ocean Explorer TV
Sarasota Bay Watch Program Director Ronda Ryan and Mar Vista General Manager Anthony Cucci
In addition to the scallops, groups found many other marine life, including starfish.
Emma, 14, and Grace Johnson, 15
Finn Johnson, 14, and William Giraldo, 14 discover a starfish.
Finn Johnson, 14, and William Giraldo, 14
Ellie and Jack Martin
Ellie and Jack Martin measure and clean scallops.
Jack Martin, 15, cleans a scallop.
Ellie Martin, 14, measures a scallop with her brother, Jack.
Ellie Martin, 14, with her brother, Jack
Steve, Ellie and Jack Martin check on a scallop sanctuary.
Steve, Ellie and Jack Martin check on a scallop sanctuary.
Steve and Ellie Martin, Sarasota Bay Watch Chairman Larry Stults and Jack Martin
Sarasota Bay Watch Board Member Steve Traves
More than 140 citizen scientists search for scallops.
Beth and Scott Brewer search for scallops from Steve Traves’ boat.
John Okovach and Jeff Schaefer search for scallops.
John Okovach and Jeff Schaefer search for scallops.
Steve Traves instructs his volunteers how to search for scallops.
Volunteers brought their passenger boats, dinghies, kayaks and even jet skis to participate.
Volunteers were assigned various spots throughout the Sarasota Bay.
Patrick Blanker finds scallops.
Thirty-one live scallops and 220 shells of scallops that died recently were found.
John Okovach finds scallops and other marine life.
