Recreational bay scallop harvesting is temporarily closed in Pasco County waters after state testing detected unsafe levels of a toxin-producing algae.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission closed the Pasco Zone on Aug. 6. The affected area includes state waters from the Hernando-Pasco county line south to the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, including the Anclote River.
Why it matters
Tests detected Pyrodinium bahamense above the safety threshold established by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.
The algae can produce saxitoxin, a potent toxin that can accumulate in shellfish and cause paralytic shellfish poisoning when contaminated shellfish are eaten.
For Tampa Bay residents and visitors, the closure is another reminder that coastal hazards can develop quickly. Checking current water conditions and harvesting restrictions should be part of preparing for any day on the water.
What you should do
Do not harvest bay scallops within the closed Pasco Zone until state officials reopen it.
The closure is temporary, and follow-up testing will determine when toxin levels have returned to safe limits. The recreational season had been scheduled to continue through Aug. 18.
Fishing, boating and swimming remain allowed within the affected waters.
How to protect yourself and others
Disaster preparedness in Tampa Bay goes beyond hurricanes and severe weather. Harmful algae, extreme heat, flooding and other environmental hazards can also affect public health and recreation with little notice.
Before heading onto local waters, residents and visitors should check current advisories, know what restrictions are in effect and adjust plans when conditions change.
Stay informed: Check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Bay Scallops page for current closures and updates.