August 10, 2018 — There is certain hesitancy about pronouncing the start of scallop harvest season in St. Joseph Bay.
After all, nothing about the past two seasons as been on schedule.
Nevertheless, the 2018 scallop harvest season in St. Joseph Bay is scheduled to open Aug. 17, next Friday, with the potential for the first full season in three years.
If indeed a full season is realized, it will come to a close Sept. 30.
Gulf County’s season in the last to open in Florida as the state moved to region-specific seasons this year.
Researchers have yet to complete and post the numbers from the annual survey of the scallop population in St. Joseph Bay.
The numbers, a researcher with Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission should be posted on the FWC website before the end of the week.
But, there was a hint of positive vibes for the season this past weekend during a “scallop rodeo.”
Last Saturday, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission invited those interested to participate in a collection of scallops as a continuation of restoration efforts that began three years ago.