Sarasota Bay Watch hosted its 4th Annual Scallopalooza to raise funds for scallop restoration in Sarasota Bay. The event was again a sell-out affair with over 180 people attending. Guest Speaker and local historian John McCarthy regaled the audience with tales of scallops and life in early Sarasota. Each table had a 1000 ml beaker (courtesy of the State College of Florida) full of sea water, live scallops (courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory) and a battery powered bubbler. Student volunteers added algae to each scallop aquarium so guests could see how quickly these filter feeders clear the water (about 40 minutes). It was an evening of fun for a good cause, raising $20,000 – thanks to all those who supported this great restoration effort!
Sarasota Bay Watch Happenings by Larry Stults
