Hillsborough County Extension Service and Pinellas County Extension Service invite youth to explore bay scallop habitats while learning hydrographic mapping and geospatial analysis on the water
Hillsborough County, Fla. (May 7, 2026) - Teens will trade the classroom for a kayak during "Senior Map Quest: Scallop Habitats," an immersive, hands-on workshop that combines marine science, technology, and outdoor adventure on Tampa Bay. Hosted by Hillsborough County Extension Service, Pinellas County Extension Service, and UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences, the event will give youth ages 14-18 the opportunity to kayak local waters while learning how scientists map underwater environments and study marine habitats.
Participants will use fish finders equipped with sonar to measure water depths, collect field data, and conduct introductory geospatial analysis to model habitat suitability for bay scallops - a species that is considered an important indicator of water quality and seagrass health. Bay scallops help filter algae and organic matter from the water and are often called the "underwater canary" because their populations are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Researchers and conservation groups continue working to restore scallop populations throughout Florida after decades of habitat decline caused by pollution and seagrass loss.
Florida's 2026 recreational scallop season is expected to open this summer along parts of the Gulf Coast, with healthy seagrass beds and improving water clarity contributing to encouraging outlooks in several regions. The workshop will introduce participants to the critical connection between marine ecosystems, hydrographic surveying, marine geomatics mapping technology, and conservation efforts happening across Tampa Bay and Florida waters. This is a great way to get some hands-on learning with the intriguing world of geomatics.
Senior Map Quest: Scallop Habitats will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Sun Coast Youth Conservation Center, 6650 Dickman Rd., Apollo Beach, FL 33572.