Scallopalooza: It's Clamtastic! celebrates scallop and clam restoration efforts

With the recent bout of red tide affecting Sarasota Bay, it was fitting that this year’s Scallopalooza: It’s Clamtastic! benefited more than scallop restoration efforts.

The sixth annual Sarasota Bay Watch fundraiser took place Sept. 24 at the Sarasota Yacht Club. It is the group’s only fundraiser of the year. 

Sarasota Bay Watch President Larry Stults said the group would be expanding its restoration efforts to southern hardshell clams, a species that is resistant to red tide and whose growth would reduce red tide blooms in the bay. The expansion isn’t in response to this year’s bout of red tide, but the timing is working in the group’s favor.

“Clams used to be here in abundance, and they’re not,” Stults said. “And they should be.”

A dozen teen volunteers greeted the 170 attendees and sold raffle tickets. 

Stults said the event and restoration efforts are opportunities for the organization and community to teach tomorrow’s leaders that the community is Sarasota Bay Watch’s lifeblood.

“It’s gratifying for us, but nice for the community to express their appreciation for the bay,” he said.

This year's event raised $28,500. All of that money will help the Sarasota Bay Watch continue it's scallop restoration and expand into its clam restoration.