PASCO COUNTY, Fla. -- The first scallop season in Pasco County since 1994 kicked off on Friday for a ten-day trial run.

  • FWC ended seasons previously due to over-harvesting
  • County leaders worked for two years to bring it back
  • Divers allowed to harvest 2 gallons each, up to 10 gallons per boat

“Yes, it’s going to be an economic driver, but really, for me, it’s about the family,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells. “It’s about getting other families out – folks that have never been out here, chartering a boat possibly and coming out and being able to experience this.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission put an end to scalloping in the county because of over-harvesting. Wells said county leaders were in talks with the agency for two years in the hope it could make a comeback.

“I think it’s awesome. We can remember as kids doing this, so to be able to do it in our own backyard is pretty special,” said Jerry Johnson, who scalloped with his family off of Pasco’s shores Friday.

It wasn’t the first time scalloping for McKenna Johnson, 11, but she said the Pasco season comes with perks.

“Usually, we have to drive, like, two-to-three hours to get to Crystal River, but it’s cool to be just right here,” McKenna Johnson said.

Also on the water along with enthusiastic scallopers were FWC patrols.

“We’ve been out on the water, trying to see what’s going on, inform people about all the boating regulations, make sure everybody knows license requirements – more of an education approach,” said FWC Officer Ashley Tyer.

Tyer said all vessels need to attach a dive flag to the highest point of their vessel. Divers must stay within 300 feet of the flag, and other boats must stay 300 feet away from the flags.

Tyer also reminds people to wear life jackets.

Wells said all people need to participate is a Florida saltwater fishing license.

Divers are allowed to harvest two gallons of scallops apiece with a limit of ten gallons per boat.

Pasco’s mini season runs until July 29. After that, Wells said FWC will evaluate the season and whether there could be another next year.