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Governor Rick Scott has approved a legislative bill that will allow the use of handheld or hand-drawn hydraulically or mechanically operated devices in harvesting cultured clams from aquaculture leases. The bill (SB 1318) introduced by Senator Charles Dean passed overwhelmingly in the 2016 Florida Legislative Session. A companion bill (HB 489) was introduced by Representative Brad Drake. Detailed information on Senate Bill 1318: Shellfish Harvesting can be found here. The amendment to the Florida Aquaculture Policy Act (Chapter 597.010, F.S.) will become effective July 1, 2016. At that time, according to DACS Division of Aquaculture officials, clam growers may begin using these

Molluscan shellfish aquaculture provides high quality and high value seafood for human consumption, and mollusks provide environmentally beneficial ecosystem services. In the past five decades, global fisheries and aquaculture have grown steadily, and seafood consumption per capita has increased. Molluscan shellfish has traditionally been a major component of world aquaculture. Today, mollusks are cultured in 76 countries. In the United States, molluscan aquaculture is a $329 million industry involving 756 farms in 18 states. An 8-page fact sheet written by UF/IFAS faculty provides a review of molluscan shellfish aquaculture and production worldwide and in the United States. Molluscan shellfish habitats,

All Aquaculture Certificates of Registration (“AQ cards”) will expire on June 30th. Renewal information will be mailed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Aquaculture prior to May 1st, this includes a preprinted application and notice of $100 fee. Any applicant working with shellfish must complete the Harvester Education Training and submit a copy of their certificate of training along with the application. Applications and fees must be returned by June 30th to avoid a lapse in certification. They may be submitted via mail: FDACS, P.O. Box 6710, Tallahassee, FL 32314-6710, with a check or