Pasco Zone Scallop Harvest Halted for 2026 Season Due to Elevated Pyrodinium bahamense Levels

Holiday residents will not be able to harvest bay scallops in the Pasco Zone for the 2026 season. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced a temporary closure of recreational bay scallop harvest in the area. This decision came after the detection of Pyrodinium bahamense at levels exceeding safety thresholds.

The Pasco Zone includes all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County. This area also encompasses the Anclote River, a popular spot for local scallopers.

The FWC proactively tests water quality to ensure public safety. The National Shellfish Sanitation Program establishes the safety thresholds for shellfish harvesting. The current levels of Pyrodinium bahamense in the Pasco Zone surpassed these limits, prompting the immediate closure to protect consumers.

While scallop harvesting is suspended, other recreational activities remain open in the Pasco Zone. Residents can still enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the area. The FWC indicated the Pasco Zone may reopen for scallop harvesting once tests show levels have decreased to safe limits.

For more information and updates on the closure, residents can visit MyFWC.com/BayScallops. Additional details about Pyrodinium bahamense are available at MyFWC.com/PyrodiniumBahamense-factsheet.pdf.