Bay Watch to go scallop searching

More than 125 citizen scientists will hit the Sarasota Bay on Saturday to go searching for scallops.

Scallops are an important part of the marine ecosystem, and this annual search helps the Sarasota Bay Watch quantify its scallop restoration efforts.

Searchers of all age will participate with a snorkel and a keen eye. They will search for three hours at more than 70 locations in the Bay.

Before the search begins, volunteers will meet at Mar Vista to learn how to properly perform the search. Last year, 40 live scallops were found, but in 2013, there were only 11. The numbers vary due to the weather and the searchers being able to spot scallops.

After the search, volunteers will be rewarded with a free lunch at Mar Vista.