Proper Scallop Shell Disposal in Steinhatchee

Scallop season is in full swing in Steinhatchee, and with it comes the challenge of proper scallop shell disposal. Many people from out of town don't know what to do with their shells, and unfortunately, some people dump them on the side of the road. This is not only unsightly, but it can also be harmful to the environment. Unfortunately There are not a lot of good options, but here are a couple of things you can do.

Here are a few tips for proper scallop shell disposal:

• Clean your scallops in your boat while on the water. However, it's important to note that this may or may not attract sharks, so please move your boat far away from fellow scallopers when doing this. If I come across data supporting that scallop cleaning attracts sharks I will note it here. Until then best err on the side of caution.

  • Don't dump your shells on our beautiful sandbars or places like Grassy Island.

• Take your scallop shells to Sea Hag Marina and let them dispose of them for you. Sea Hag Marina is a local business that will dispose of your shells properly.

By following these tips, you can help to keep Steinhatchee beautiful and healthy during scallop season.

Do you have any tips? Share them in the comments below.

Scallop Adventure in Steinhatchee: Best Practices for a Fun and Safe Recreational Scalloping Experience

Ahoy there, scallopers! Are you ready for a day of fun in the sun and some delicious seafood? Well, then it's time to head to Steinhatchee, FL, for some recreational scalloping! This quaint fishing village located on the Gulf of Mexico offers some of the best scalloping in the state. But before you set sail, let's go over some best practices to make your scalloping experience safe and enjoyable.

1. Get the right gear

First and foremost, you'll need the right gear. A dive mask and snorkel are essential for spotting scallops, while a mesh bag and gloves are necessary for collecting them. Make sure your gear fits well, and it's comfortable to wear for extended periods. This gear is available at many local businesses.

2. Know the rules and regulations

Before you head out, familiarize yourself with the scalloping rules and regulations set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The bag limit varies on the time of year:

• June 15-30:

  • Per person: 1 gallon whole bay scallops in shell or one cup shucked 

  • Per vessel: 5 gallons whole or two pints shucked

• July 1-Labor Day

  • Per person: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat

  • Per vessel: Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat (1/2 gallon = 4 pints)

Also, keep in mind the season dates, size limits, and areas where scalloping is allowed.

3. Choose the right location

Look for seagrass: Scallops like to hang out in seagrass beds, so keep an eye out for patches of seagrass as you snorkel. You'll often find scallops tucked away in the seagrass, so take your time and look carefully.

4. Stay safe

Safety should always be a top priority. Wear a life jacket, especially if you're not a strong swimmer, and keep an eye on the weather. Lightning and thunderstorms are common during the summer months and can be dangerous in the water. Also, watch out for other boaters, and stay out of designated swimming areas.

5. Respect the environment

Scalloping is a fun activity, but it's crucial to respect the environment. Avoid damaging seagrasses and other marine life, and don't leave any trash behind. Keep your boat's speed to a minimum in shallow waters to avoid stirring up sediment and harming the ecosystem.

In conclusion, scalloping in Steinhatchee is a fun and exciting activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. But remember to get the right gear, know the rules and regulations, choose the right location, stay safe, and respect the environment. Follow these best practices, and you'll have a memorable scalloping adventure!

Get Ready for 2023 Scallop Season – Dates & Bag Limits

Are you ready to hit the grass flats and search for scallops in 2023? With scallop season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start preparing for your Florida Gulf Coast adventure. Whether you’re a local or from out of state looking for a memorable vacation, make sure research early on so that you can join in on all of the fun of scalloping. In this blog post, we've compiled everything you need to know about planning your 2023 scallop season trip—from dates and bag limits to tips for having an unforgettable experience. Keep reading for more!

From June 15 through Labor Day, the Fenholloway through Suwannee Rivers Zone (including Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee area) is open for scalloping fun. Bag limits are in place to preserve this stunning ecosystem, so be sure to check the details.

From June 15-30, per person: 1 gallon whole bay scallops in shell or one cup shucked. Per vessel: 5 gallons whole or two pints shucked.

From July 1-Labor Day, per person: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat. Per vessel: Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat (1/2 gallon = 4 pints).

Get your scallop scoops ready, and let's enjoy Florida's natural beauty together!

Steinhatchee is in the yello region titled Fenholloway - Suwannee River Zone

Great result on opening day of Scallop Season

Congratulations Nick Chesser, Evan Dodd, Mathew Valentine and Baxton Wicker for their great opening day haul.

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Scallop season opens today!

From Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission:

Bay scallop season opens June 15 between the Fenholloway and Suwannee rivers

The 2021 recreational bay scallop season from the Fenholloway River through the Suwannee River opens June 15 and will remain open through Labor Day (Sept. 6, 2021). This includes all state waters in Dixie County and a portion of Taylor County and includes the towns of Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee.

The daily bag limit from June 15-30 in this area is one gallon of whole bay scallops in the shell or one cup shucked per person with a maximum of five gallons whole or two pints (four cups) shucked bay scallop meat per vessel.

From July 1 through Labor Day in this area, and for the duration of the open season in other areas, regular bag and vessel limits apply. Regular season limits are two gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person, with a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1/2 gallon (four pints) shucked bay scallop meat per vessel. Throughout the season and region-wide, vessel limits do not allow an individual to exceed their personal bag limit.

Other regulations

Scallops may be collected by hand or with a landing or dip net.

There is no commercial harvest allowed for bay scallops in Florida.

Direct and continuous transit of legally harvested bay scallops is allowed through closed areas. Boaters may not stop their vessels in waters that are closed to harvest and must proceed directly to the dock or ramp to land scallops in a closed area.

For information on bay scallop regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Bay Scallops” under the “Crabs, Lobster and other Shellfish” tab.

Boater and scalloper safety

Be safe when diving for scallops. Wear a life jacket when underway and do not drink and boat. When scalloping in open water, divers should stay within 300 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device, and within 100 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device if on a river, inlet or navigation channel. Boat operators traveling within 300 feet of a divers-down flag or device in open water or within 100 feet of one on a river, inlet or navigational channel must slow to idle speed. For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Boating/Regulations and click on “Divers-down Warning Devices.”

Stow it, don’t throw it

Don’t forget to stow your trash securely on your vessel so that it doesn’t blow out and do not discard empty scallop shells in the Homosassa or Crystal rivers. Scallop shells may be discarded in a trash receptacle or in larger bodies of water where they are more likely to disperse.

Citizen science

Done for the day? Help FWC’s scallop researchers by completing an online survey at svy.mk/bayscallops. Harvesters can indicate where they harvested scallops, how many they collected and how long it took to harvest them. Participants can email BayScallops@MyFWC.com to ask questions or send additional information.

Learn more about how FWC scientists monitor Florida’s scallops by visiting MyFWC.com/Research and clicking on “Saltwater,” “Bay Scallops” and “Bay Scallop Season and Abundance Survey.”

Steinhatchee River Webcam