Scallop Sorter 

Bay scallops (Argopecten irradians) are filter feeding bivalves that only live for about 1 to 1.5 years. The idea behind the scallop sorter is to put the smaller scallops back in the water to give them a chance to reproduce, something they do only once or twice during their very short life cycle. Use the device while scalloping on the water and if the scallop fits through the opening, please return it to the water so it can spawn and produce offspring for next year. If the scallop is too large to fit through the opening, this is the preferred harvestable size. While this is not a regulation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), it is highly recommended that recreational scallopers follow this practice to help ensure that there will be scallops available again the following year.

Q: What is a Scallop Sorter, and how can we use this device to help grow next season’s population of Bay Scallops?

A: The CCA Florida Scallop Sorter is a measuring device that filters the smaller scallops from the larger ones that have the larger meat worth harvesting. There isn’t much difference between the sizes except the size itself. The smaller scallops that can fit within the sorter truly are not worth the small amount of meat compared to what that very same small scallop can do for its population. One single scallop, no matter its size, can produce millions of eggs in a very short period, so if we give them a chance to be released back into the gulf waters, it will bring higher stock count possibilities for the next season.

Q: Is it illegal to harvest Bay Scallops that can fit within the Sorter?

A: No, it is not illegal. It is simply a conservation effort, supported by scientific research and the theory that utilizing the Sorter will increase the odds of a bigger bay scallop population.

After sorting your scallop bounty, we recommend releasing the Bay Scallop immediately for greater chances of survival and to grow the stock for future harvesting!

Scallop Sorter Locations

Crystal River locations:

Twin Rivers Marina

Pete’s Pier

Sodium

West Marine

Crystal River Watersports

Shrimp Landing

Adventure Center at Plantation Resort

Manatee Swim Center at Port Hotel and Marina

Waterfront Adventures at Paddletail Lodge

Explorida

Inglis:

Let It Ride Marine

Homosassa:

MacRae’s of Homosassa

Florida Cracker

River Haven Marina

Strickland’s Convenience

Homosassa Guides Association

For more information on scallop regulations, seasons, size and bag limits, please visit the FWC website. To obtain a free scallop sorter provided by CCA Florida, please contact Danielle Norwood at Sea Hag Marina at thehag@seahag.com or by calling 352-498-3008.