Volunteer boat captains and snorkelers needed
Join the University of Florida/Lee County Sea Grant Extension program and the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation by participating in the 2010 Pine Island Sound Scallop Search, a resource-monitoring program in which volunteers snorkel, looking for scallops in select areas within Pine Island Sound, on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The purpose of this program is to monitor and document the health and status of the bay scallop population. Modeled off of the successful Great Bay Scallop Search conducted in Tampa Bay since 1993, this event is designed to be a fun family event. Reservations are required to participate in the event. Space is limited so reserve your spot today.
Up to 40 boats are needed with as many as 150 participants to search selected sites in Pine Island Sound and San Carlos Bay for the elusive “bay scallop”. Large populations of bay scallops (or Argopecten irradians) disappeared from Southwest Florida waters decades ago due in large part to degraded water quality, related declines in seagrass acreage, over harvesting and other causes. Water quality and seagrasses have improved in many areas to levels that may once again support these important bivalves within the area.
Scallop searchers will meet at 9 a.m. at Pineland Marina, 13921 Waterfront Dr, Bokeelia, FL., to receive survey equipment and instructions for the monitoring event. Lunch will be provided to participants once you return to shore and report your information.