4 comments for … Help biologists learn more about how many bay scallops live along Florida’s Gulf coast by submitting your bay scallop harvest data through our new Web survey. Other 2019 bay scallop seasons were set … We all know that last year wasn’t that great anywhere in the state, but this year is likely to be different! The scallop season in St. Joseph Bay this year will begin July 25 and continue through Sept. 10. The annual scallop census conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission showed an especially abundant crop in the Steinhatchee area and a healthy crop around This is for 2017 only. SUBSCRIBE NOW. In its online questionnaire, FWC asks if 2018’s staggered season dates started and ended too early or too late, and if scallopers prefer regionally-specific dates or more consistent dates. Each year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission evaluates the bay scallop population and decides upon the appropriate season for recreational harvesting. And that feedback, all but universally, was that in St. Joseph Bay the pickings are right until later in the summer and an August start, with an end in September just before the spawning season, perfect. All rights reserved. The FWC worked with Gulf County to determine a new season that would be beneficial to the scallop population, as well as the economic health of the county. Nothing happens on Sept. 25,” she said. Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife approves 2021 and beyond Gulf County bay scallop season. FWC sets 2020 Gulf County bay scallop season. Bay scallop season opens Aug. 16 in St. Joseph Bay/Gulf County Recreational bay scallop season for Gulf County (including all of St. Joseph Bay) opens Aug.16 and will remain open through Sept. 24.T his region includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in … The 2020 season is also Aug. 16 through Sept 24, and was set late last year Establishing long-term season dates also provides predictability year-to-year. By Tim Croft | The Port St. Joe Star Monday Aug 14, 2017 at 7:20 AM Aug 14, 2017 at 7:24 AM. The decision to establish the later start to the season long-term (some Florida harvest areas start as soon as June) followed a carousel ride for the scallops in St. Joseph Bay, and those that love them, since 2016. According to a press release, the season postponement will continue until scallop samples test … With less than 24 hours until the … While addressing a perilous few years for the scallop population in St. Joseph Bay, the agency, at least in this narrow instance, has largely hewed to local public feedback in making decisions on seasons. The 2019 season was a very poor season … Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced the 2019 scallop harvesting season. As low as $3 for 3 months . JOE — A dangerous algae bloom has delayed the start of this year’s scallop season out of Gulf County. Scallop season arrives Sunday in St. Joseph Bay. FWC staff will continue monitoring the status of bay scallops in St. Joseph Bay and elsewhere to protect the scallop population.. Spice Up Your Next Meal With Sometimes It’s Hotter, Your email address will not be published. Cape San Blas is in the far left light green section called St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County: Aug. 16 through Sept. 24, 2020.This region includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County. Late last year after working closely with the local community, the FWC set August 16 through September 24 for the 2020 Scalloping Season. The revamp includes moving the scallop season in St. Joseph Bay back, opening Aug. 17 and closing Sept. 30. Tourist Development Council executive Jennifer Jenkins and others have been petitioning the FWC for a later start to scallop season for years. The FWC scallop crew has been working hard to restore the bay scallop population in St. Joseph Bay in recent years. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set the 2020 bay scallop season in Gulf County (including St. Joseph Bay) via Executive Order to open Aug. 16, 2020, and remain open through Sept. 24, 2020, closing Sept. 25. The 2020 season is also Aug. 16 through Sept. 24, and was set late last year 2019 wasn’t our best scalloping season numbers wise however, if history holds true our beloved bay scallops will bounce back to good numbers in 2020. The 2020 season is also Aug. 16 through Sept. 24, and was set late last … Bay scallops may only be harvested in state waters from the following zones: St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County : Aug. 16-Sept. 24 . Alright, let’s talk about the upcoming scallop season here in Florida. When Visiting the Forgotten Coast, Don’t Forget to Look Up, Some Believe the Bible’s Garden of Eden was Located on the Apalachicola River, A Visit to the Forgotten Coast is a Great Way to Increase Vitamin D Levels, Blue Parrot on SGI to Close for Two Weeks for Winter Maintenance, Don’t Miss the Stargazing When Visiting the Forgotten Coast, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R00boH7WEuc. The 2020 season is also Aug. 16 through Sept 24, and was set late last year after working closely with the local community. June 11, 2019. Under the proposal, which the FWC board will take up for a public hearing and formal action in February, the 2018 scallop season in St. Joseph Bay would open Aug. 17 and … According the the FWC, those particular dates were selected to allow the FWC to “balance stakeholder and community desires with the sustainability of the scallop populations.”. FWC commissioners will schedule 2019’s scallop season dates in either late 2018 or early 2019, and want to know how this year’s season goes. The FWC followed with postponement of scallop season July 24. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the bay scallop season off Gulf County remains postponed due to a naturally occurring algae bloom in St. Joseph Bay. The exact numbers are a … Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. At its February meeting in Tallahassee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) determined that the long-term bay scallop season in Gulf County (including St. Joseph Bay) will open August 16 and run through September 24 of each year, beginning in 2021. Your email address will not be published. Excitement, Uncertainty Surround Start of Scallop Season in Citrus County By Katya Guillaume Citrus County PUBLISHED 5:15 PM ET Jul. 2012 Scallop Count, from FWC by Capt. At its February meeting in Tallahassee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) determined that the long-term bay scallop season in Gulf County (including St. Joseph Bay) will open August 16 and run through September 24 of each year, beginning in 2021. FWC hosts bay scallop meeting in Port St. Joe April 27 . Scalloping season begins at the beginning of July until early September every year. This year, biologists were not able to collect pre-season data due to the coronavirus outbreak. Digital access or digital and print delivery. Sporadic spat, or juvenile scallop, was found in the Bay. Planning on going scalloping this bay scallop season? The Star, Port St. Joe ~ 135 W. Highway 98 Port St. Joe, FL 32456, Port St. Joe, FL 32456 ~ Do Not Sell My Personal Information ~ Cookie Policy ~ Do Not Sell My Personal Information ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service ~ Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The 2017 temporary season closure was because of an algae bloom. In what locals would equate with the term no-brainer, the board of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved for the long-term a later start to scallop harvest season in St. Joseph Bay.In effect, the FWC adopted the proposed dates for the 2020 season, with an Aug. 16 start and a Sept. 24 end for 2021 and beyond.Those dates are all but identical to those adopted for 2019, the year after Hurricane Michael, which unfolded as a historic season … FWC: Scallop season at least 2 weeks away . FWC approves 2021 and beyond Gulf County bay scallop season. At its February meeting in Tallahassee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set the long-term bay scallop season in Gulf County (including St. Joseph Bay) to open Aug. 16 through Sept. 24 each year beginning in 2021. Subscribe. The 2020 recreational bay scallop season for Pasco County opens July 17 and will remain open through July 26. At its February meeting in Tallahassee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set the long-term bay scallop season in Gulf County (including St. Joseph Bay) to open Aug. 16 through Sept. 24 each year beginning in 2021. By Tim Croft. Check back here for updates or see the FWC’s Scallop Abundance Report page for the most current information available. Check it out! The new season is later than a typical scallop season — elsewhere in the state, the fishery closes Sept. 10 or Sept. 25 — but Nalley said the timing won’t be a problem. In what locals would equate with the term no-brainer, the board of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved for the long-term a later start to scallop harvest season in St. Joseph Bay. Bay Scallop Survey Information. SUBSCRIBE NOW. FWC sets 2020 Gulf County bay scallop season. The 2020 season is also Aug. 16 through Sept. 24, and was set late last year after working closely with the local community. In 2016, scallop season in St. Joseph Bay was just two weeks long. On Monday, FWC also announced that 2019’s scallop season for Citrus, Levy and Hernando counties will be the same as 2018. The 2020 recreational bay scallop season for Pasco County opens July 17 and will remain open through July 26. View the article “ Bay Scallop Web Survey Taps Recreational Harvesters” for more information. Port St. Joe — A pilot FWC program to stagger the scallop season in response to public comments has kicked off scalloping in some parts of the state, while Northwest Florida waits for its scallops to get a little bigger. July 1 to Sept. 24 was the 2018 scallop season for Citrus, Levy and Hernando counties. 2019 bay scallop season is ending in Northern portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast, says the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).. FWC has not released a new map. Those dates are all but identical to those adopted for 2019, the year after Hurricane Michael, which unfolded as a historic season for the Bay. Here is a map showing the staggered dates for … Statewide, the season begins July 1 and continues through Sept. 24, though the FWC board also approved tweaks to the season in two other areas. At the February FWC meeting, commissioners set the long-term bay scallop season in Gulf County to start August 16th through September 24th each year beginning in 2021. © Gannett Co., Inc. 2021. “Based on feedback from the community and supporting requests from local government, the (proposed rule making the mid-August to late-September season long-term) … is expected to provide both a sustainable scallop population and economic benefits to the region,” staff wrote. 01, 2020 PUBLISHED 5:15 PM EDT Jul. In effect, the FWC adopted the proposed dates for the 2020 season, with an Aug. 16 start and a Sept. 24 end for 2021 and beyond. Scallop Season Dates for Levy, Citrus, and Hernando counties Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties (including Cedar Key, Crystal River, and Homosassa): July 1 through Sept. 24. Gulf County’s season will run August 16 to September 14, and Franklin County scallop seekers will see a season from July 1 to September 24. That year, the adult population was deemed collapsed after spring surveys, there was consideration of shutting down the season before the FWC opened a 10-day harvest window late in the summer. Tim Croft @PSJ_Star Thursday Dec 26, 2019 at 12:01 AM. Say one thing for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. At its February meeting in Tallahassee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set the long-term bay scallop season in Gulf County (including St. Joseph Bay) to open Aug. 16 through Sept. 24 each year beginning in 2021. Also, check out the upcoming Scallop Seminar (event page here) in Steinhatchee on June 14th at 6 PM. Recreational bay scallop season will open Saturday morning, and it looks like this could be a banner year. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is gathering input on the bay scallop season structure for 2020 and beyond via an online survey. The FWC is working toward a long-term season … FWC’s population data won’t be available to June but from our recent scouting trips their numbers look to be in good shape!. FWC hosts bay scallop meeting in Port St. Joe April 27 . FWRI research on scallop populations in this area shows scallop numbers are very low, likely because of a red tide event last year. At its February meeting in Tallahassee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set the long-term bay scallop season in Gulf County (including St. Joseph Bay) to open Aug. 16 through Sept. 24 each year beginning in 2021. Required fields are marked *. That’s a shorter season than the one for lobsters, but, while it lasts, it’s just about as much fun as you and your family can have. The 2016 season was nearly cancelled before being shortened to 10 days after a significant red tide event during breeding season the prior winter. They listened; more important they heard. Since 2016, the bay scallop season in St. Joseph Bay has been managed by a shortened season that opens later in the year. Each summer, biologists assess bay scallop populations along the Gulf Coast of … But, lo and behold, the juveniles were out there, researchers later reported and the astounding dividends were revealed during the 2019 spring survey of the adult population and a density tallied that had been equaled only once in Florida over the past 10 years, never in St. Joseph Bay. In a normal year, researchers with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) would study bay scallop populations along the Gulf coast of Florida in pre-season surveys. Further, as this roller coaster traveled, the FWC held a series of town hall public meetings, updating the public on the restoration efforts and soliciting feedback on season dates. FWC sets 2020 Gulf County bay scallop season The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set the 2020 bay scallop season in Gulf County (including St. Joseph Bay) via Executive Order to open Aug. 16, 2020, and remain open through Sept. 24, 2020, closing Sept. 25. The 2020 season was set for July 1 through Sept. 24 with a notation that the “2020 season for Gulf County will likely be modified … in early 2020 after the FWC has the opportunity to evaluate ongoing scallop restoration efforts and recovery of St. Joseph Bay scallop populations.” Recreational bay scallop season for Franklin through the northwestern portion of Taylor, as well as Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties opens July 1 and will remain open … The scallop season is opening earlier than usual and closing later than normal to help coastal communities as they continue to recover from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Local tourist officials have become pessimistic about a season actually taking place in 2017, which for some in the community would not be a bad thing as it would allow more time for a restoration project to take hold and the population to rebound from a collapse recorded last year. The Commission also approved a trial bay scallop season in state waters off Pasco County in 2018. Dr. Steve Geiger of FWC gives a peek into the pre-season scallop population survey results for the Dixie/Taylor County areas. “It’s not a necessity. The Star. FWC approves 2021 and beyond Gulf County bay scallop season. According to a release from the FWC, research has found the bay scallop population in St. Joseph Bay has been severely reduced due to the impacts of red tide last fall and winter. Throughout that period the FWC undertook extensive restoration efforts, using cages, so-called scallop sitters and some assistance from a hatchery to bolster the population. We hope you enjoy the 2020 season! Bay Scallop Season in Natural North Florida Bay scallops are legal game in the Gulf from June 25 until September 25, 2016 and our ports between Horseshoe Beach and St. Marks are busy with scallopers. At its February meeting in Tallahassee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) set the long-term bay scallop season in Gulf County (including St. Joseph Bay) to open Aug. 16 through Sept. 24 each year beginning in 2021. The staff recommendations sprung in significant measure from a series of workshops held around the state last October to solicit local input on scallop season… News Sports Entertainment Lifestyle Opinion USA TODAY Obituaries Legals. As low as $3 for 3 months. With a combination of predator exclusion cages and larval releases, among other restoration methods, we have the goal of restoring this iconic shellfish population. :fwc, scallop count, scallop survey, scallops. The chosen dates allow the FWC to balance stakeholder and community desires with the sustainability of the scallop populations. St. Joseph Bay Restoration and Conservation Measures. As a result, the bay scallop population is too low to sustain and recover from an open season for scalloping this summer. The season … The chosen dates allow the FWC to balance stakeholder and community desires with the sustainability of the scallop populations. The bag limit is 2 gallons of whole scallops per person per day; or 1 pint of scallop meat per person per day. It’s currently May of 2020 and people are already planning and booking their summer scallop trips. St. Joseph Bay and harvesters nearly made it through a full season in 2018, only to have it cut short by a few days due to another recurrence of red tide. MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife approves 2021 and beyond Gulf County bay scallop season. Of course, Hurricane Michael arrived in October of that year and in early 2019 researchers could find not evidence of an adult scallop population. The season postponement will continue until scallop samples test safe for human consumption. In late 2018 or early 2019, the FWC will consider setting the 2019 seasons for Gulf and Pasco counties, consider continuing the 2018 season structure for the remaining portions of the open scallop harvest area in 2019, and will work toward creating a more permanent season structure starting in 2020. Excitement, Uncertainty Surround Start of Scallop Season in Citrus County By Katya Guillaume Citrus County PUBLISHED 5:15 PM ET Jul. 01, 2020 This region includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County. 12/19/19. A Better Scallop Season! Bay Scallop Survey Information Tommy Thompson on Jun.23, 2012, under FLORIDA'S BIG BEND AND EMERALD COAST Each spring, biologists assess bay scallop populations, surveying 10 to 20 stations at each of 10 locations along the gulf coast of Florida. Scientific monitoring of bay scallops in St. Joseph Bay indicates that the bay scallop population has declined severely due to impacts of red tide. 01, 2020 PUBLISHED 5:15 PM EDT Jul. The agency has also set the 2019 regional season dates for bay scallop harvest for most of the areas that will be open to harvest.