The results of this year’s survey show their population may be approaching sustainable levels.
Once extinct locally, bay scallops on the east coast of Virginia seem to be making a comeback. After several years of exponential growth, the annual population survey results show that the bay scallop density in the southern coastal bays has reached nearly 0.07 scallops per square meter.
This may not be enough to support recreational fishing, but it may be close. As a reference, Florida has set a minimum population density of 1 bay scallop per 10 square meters (0.10 scallops per square meter) to regulate its recreational fisheries.
Bay scallops were once a part of Virginia’s coastal marine environment, protected on lush underwater meadows behind barrier islands. Commercial fishing existed in the early 1900s until a species of eel grass consumption disease destroyed the grass beds on the east coast, eliminating the species’ important habitat.
We have isolated a genetic line that produces some very unique orange scallops, as well as other variants including red, brown, and striped. We hope to replace the orange scallops with the yellow line isolated in North Carolina so that we can start cultivating pure color lines, “Smith said.” This is not something we want to do for wild scallop restoration projects, but we can create more visually appealing products for aquaculture farms
After disappearing from Virginia for nearly 100 years, bay scallops are finally making a comeback in the wild and on plates. UOSF will continue to apply its professional knowledge to support the recovery of wild populations and the thriving aquaculture industry. The next few years will be crucial for this species.
It’s really meaningful to be able to get these animals through the seedling stage and hold them in your hands – just these piles of scallops – I can’t even describe it, “Smith said.” But seeing wild populations continue to climb in the past few years is really incredible. I’m truly grateful to be a small part of this work.
UOSF Research Center