In 2014 Sarasota Bay Watch volunteers donated over 2500 hours of time and supporters contributed over $50,000 of funds and services, including $25,000 from the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. SBW hosted 6 on-the-water volunteer events, worked with a wide range of new partners and old friends, participated at a number of environmental festivals and engaged in a range of community outreach. It was a great year and we are looking forward to 2105!
Currently SBW is working with the Bay Shellfish Company and Mote Marine Laboratories on our third scallop restoration season. We have collected adult scallops to use as breeding stock, and are now growing up our first 3 batches of baby scallops. Two of the spawns will be grown to juvenile stage (about 15 mm with shells), while the third will be used to release 10 day old larva (without shells and still free swimming in the water column) into the bay. Multiple approaches and multiple releases at various dates helps increase the chance of survival and success in restoring scallops to Sarasota Bay.
