The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced the recreational bay scallop harvest in the Pasco Zone is now open following a temporary closure. The Pasco Zone is now open to bay scallop harvest through Sept. 21. This area includes all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, encompassing the Anclote River.

The FWC continues to monitor scallop and water samples to keep Floridians safe. Continuous testing during the temporary closure showed that the toxin (saxitoxin) that the algae (Pyrodinium bahamense) produce has returned to safe levels based on the safety thresholds established by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. Out of an abundance of caution, after the reopening, it is recommended that you only consume the scallop muscle and not the roe or whole scallop.

The FWC is excited to give Floridians the opportunity to scallop within the Pasco Zone. If you don’t have a saltwater recreational fishing license, you can secure one by visiting GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

For more information, bag limits, and updates, visit MyFWC.com/Scallops. Additional details on Pyrodinium can be found in the FWC Pyrodinium bahamense factsheet.