Big Bend Shellfish Trail

Explore Levy County’s Big Bend Shellfish Trail
Big Bend Shellfish Trail Itinerary 1
Big Bend Shellfish Trail Itinerary 2
Big Bend Shellfish Trail Itinerary 3
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WORKING WATERFRONT COMMUNITIES
DIXIE, LEVY, JEFFERSON & TAYLOR COUNTIES – FLORIDA

Working Waterfronts in Coastal Communities

The Big Bend has a long history of natural resource dependence that dates to prehistory. Large Indian mounds scattered among the islands testify to the early inhabitants’ reliance upon shellfish for their sustenance. The waters surrounding the area’s coastal communities have historically been tied to their economic survival. Oysters, crabs, shrimp and fish have all crossed docks from Steinhatchee to Yankeetown at one time or another in abundance. But since 1995, when a statewide gill net ban was imposed, harvesting of mullet and other marine fish, as well as a “way of life,” came to an end. Today, clam aquaculture has replaced gill net fishing as the mainstay for many watermen. They still pursue mullet, especially during roe season, but now with a cast net to land this well-known southern delight. Far more common today are boats commonly called “bird dogs” converted to work the clam farms.

As you stroll the neighborhoods of these coastal towns, a common site will be stacked crab traps, wooden or plastic for stone crab and wire for blue crab. And you will occasionally discover clam bags laid across driveways. It is the easiest way to crush the fouling organisms that attach themselves over time to the bags. Although not harvested in the abundance of the past, the Big Bend remains a haven for fresh seafood. Succulent clams, freshly shucked oysters, soft shell crab or stone crab claws can be found on many menus and are fresh and delicious. With every bite, a taste of the sea and sense of history.

The Big Bend’s Environmental Qualities

The Big Bend coastal region is one of the largest and most productive areas for marine shellfish in the Gulf of Mexico. The region supports the second largest continuous area of seagrasses in the eastern Gulf, making it one of the most pristine places in Florida. The shoreline is predominately salt marsh and tidal creeks with only a few beaches, protected by a myriad of oyster bars and rocky islands. These habitats provide essential nearshore nurseries for many commercially and recreationally important species during their juvenile stages. The coastal waters are surrounded by a mix of federal and state owned uplands, as well as conservation areas and easements, providing a significant buffer to encroaching development while protecting shellfish and other marine resources from adverse land-use practices. This contributes to the uniqueness of the region, warranting its nickname "The Nature Coast."

Things YOU can do to help promote Clean Coastal Waters:

Install advanced septic tanks in coastal areas where sewer systems are not available.
Promote landscaping that eliminates or reduces the need for irrigation and fertilizers.
Encourage agriculture activities to follow Best Management Practices.
Call for living shorelines instead of seawalls.
Participate in coastal cleanups and recycle.
Educate residents and visitors about the importance of clean coastal waters.

CLEAN WATERS…SAFE SHELLFISH

Molluscan shellfish are filter feeders, taking in large quantities of water during feeding. Since these shellfish resemble the coastal waters in which they grow, harvesting can only take place in the cleanest of waters. Oysters, clams and mussels are often eaten raw or partially cooked, and the entire animal, excluding the shell, is consumed. Since only the muscle meat of Bay Scallops is consumed, they can be harvested outside of state shellfish harvesting areas. In Florida, national regulatory standards are followed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). This agency is responsible for monitoring, classifying and managing the waters to ensure shellfish harvested are safe and wholesome. There are five designated shellfish harvesting areas (SHAs) in the Big Bend region; each operates under a management plan based on either rainfall or river levels as freshwater drainage from land can introduce contaminants into adjacent coastal waters. Under these plans, FDACS can temporarily close an area for harvest before the shellfish become unsafe to consume.

To locate maps of each SHA and find out whether an area is open or closed to recreational or commercial harvest, visit the FDACS Division of Aquaculture’s website:

www.FreshfromFlorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Aquaculture
or contact their local office in Cedar Key at 352.543.5181

Photo Spots

Throughout this pristine coastal area there are many places to take great photos as you enjoy the Big Bend Shellfish Trail. Upload your photos to #floridashellfishtrail and share what you are learning as you visit communities along the trail.

Take advantage of the camera icon that highlights areas where you can view working waterfronts of shellfish farmers/fishermen, beautiful coastal landscapes and vistas. Many of the communities recycle clam and oyster shells for driveways, parking lots, sidewalks and for arts & crafts.

The uniqueness of these beautiful coastal villages and their cultural heritage is one that is ready to be discovered! The Big Bend Shellfish Trail is where you can learn more about Florida shellfish, aquaculture, sustainable environments that protect the waters, where to EAT and where to BUY (retail) Big Bend Shellfish. For the fishermen in your group, this area of Florida has amazing Big Reds, Trout, Tarpon and more. There are many cozy accommodations like bed and breakfasts, fish camps and hotel/motels available throughout the trail region.

It’s all waiting for you to explore! Plan your educational and travel adventure to this unique part of Florida. Contact one of the local chambers or tourist development offices listed in the box below for more information on how to visit the Big Bend Shellfish Trail or to have a map mailed to you.

COMMERCIAL SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE IN THE BIG BEND

Shellfish farming is a relatively new industry in Florida. During the 1990s a transition to clam farming as an alternative employment opportunity for former fishermen was facilitated through job retraining programs. Today, about 150 growers harvest 100-125 million hard clams annually on 800 acres of submerged land leases located off the coasts of Levy and Dixie Counties. It is estimated that Cedar Key produces 80% or more of the state’s crop with a gross revenue impact of $35 million to the region’s economy. Diversification of crops is ongoing as growers are also culturing oysters and sunray venus clams.

WHERE CAN YOU LEARN MORE ABOUT SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE?

FWC SEN. GEORGE KIRKPATRICK MARINE LAB
Leslie Sturmer, University of Florida-IFAS Shellfish Aquaculture Extension Program
11350 SW 153rd Ct, Cedar Key, 32625 • 352.543.5057 • LNST@ufl.edu

NATURE COAST BIOLOGICAL STATION
552 1st St, Cedar Key, 32625 • 352.222.8585

For tours of clam farms and shore-based businesses:
CAPTAIN BOBBY WITT • CLAM FARM TOUR
Cedar Key, 32625 • 352.212.2555 (call to schedule boat trips)

SOUTHERN CROSS SEA FARMS 12170 SR 24, Cedar Key, 32625 • 352.543.5980
www.clambiz.com • southerncrossclams@gmail.com
Free tours every Friday at 1:00 pm from Nov–May, call for group bookings.

Also visit these informative websites:
• Online Resource Guide for Florida Shellfish Aquaculture
• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
• Florida Clams

Species found in the Big Bend Region

	BAY SCALLOPS, Argopecten irradians, are bivalve mollusks that live in seagrass meadows in shallow water. Scallops were historically abundant throughout much of Florida’s coastal waters but are now mostly found in Big Bend waters, where vast seagrass meadows still support healthy bay scallop populations. Bay scallops can only be harvested recreationally in Florida. Scalloping is fun for the whole family and recreational scallop season is normally open from the last Saturday in June through the third Saturday in September. Popular scalloping areas in the Big Bend include areas off Taylor and Dixie Counties, especially Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach, and Horseshoe Beach. Check out www.flseagrant.org/fisheries/scalloping/ for more information, including scalloping maps and tips for getting prepared for your scalloping trip. When searching for scallops, be sure to protect the seagrasses on which scallops and many other organisms depend by being a seagrass safe boater, more at www.beseagrasssafe.com.
	BLUE CRABS, Callinectes sapidus, are found in coastal areas from Canada to South America and are one of the most recognizable and iconic seafood species in the United States. The Big Bend region produces up to one third of the annual commercial blue crab harvest in Florida. Blue crabs can be harvested recreationally with traps, dip nets, or hook and line almost year-round in Florida. Female crabs without eggs are legal to harvest but it is considered a good conservation practice to release females unharmed. Blue crabs can be purchased live and steamed at home with your favorite seasoning or steamed in the market before taking home. Soft shell crabs are blue crabs that have molted by shedding their shell. Crabs that are ready to molt (called “peelers") are held in tanks and harvested immediately after molting before the new shell can harden – they can be eaten whole and are considered a delicacy.
	HARD CLAMS, Mercenaria mercenaria, are marine mollusks that support an important aquaculture industry in Levy and Dixie Counties. The area’s warm waters and high natural productivity allow for fast growth and continuous production. Clams are benthic, or bottom-dwelling, and feed by filtering microscopic plants (algae) and nutrients from the water. Their heavy shells are connected with a strong hinge, which allows clams (like oysters) to remain closed for days in refrigerated storage. Most cultured hard clams are sold as live shellstock (both shells intact) and are shipped to markets fresh under refrigerated conditions. Several sizes (littleneck, pasta) are available year round for steaming, roasting or grilling. Natural populations of the southern quahog, Mercenaria campechiensis, are recreationally harvested primarily in the Suwannee Sound area; their meats are usually stripped for frying or minced for chowders.
	OYSTERS, Crassostrea virginica,have a long history as a favored food in the Big Bend region. Oysters flourish in the inshore waters where nutrient-rich fresh waters meet coastal saltwater. The Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, grows rapidly and reaches market size (minimum 3" shell length) in less than two years. In Levy and Dixie Counties, oysters are extensively harvested from natural reefs by fishermen using long-handled tongs from small boats or by hand during “pick up" (extremely low) tides. Around 175,000 pounds are commercially landed annually at a dockside value of over $1 million (2015). Oysters are enjoyed raw on the half shell or roasted and grilled in their shells. Shucked meats are typically fried but can be prepared in a variety of ways. People with compromised immune systems are at high risk and should avoid consumption of raw oysters. For more information, go to www.BeOysterAware.com.
	SHRIMP, Litopenaeus, are the most popular seafood in the United States. While the overwhelming majority of shrimp consumed is imported and farm-raised, the Big Bend supports a wild-caught industry. Over 100,000 pounds of these delicious crustaceans are harvested annually. They are harvested under strict environmental regulations using nets equipped with turtle-excluder and by-catch-reduction devices. There are several types of wild shrimp, Litopenaeus, found in the waters of the Big Bend. Pink (also locally known as “hoppers"), brown (“brownies") and white shrimp are natural, flavorful and of premium quality. While each of these species have specific times of the year when they can be purchased fresh, shrimp can be purchased frozen year round. Over 125,000 pounds of shrimp are also harvested annually using small trawls for the lucrative live bait industry.
	STONE CRABS, Menippe mercenaria, are one of Florida’s most sought-after delicacies, even though they were once considered nuisance catch by lobster fishermen. Stone crabs can be harvested commercially or recreationally from October 15 through May 15. Baited traps are the most common method for harvesting stone crabs for both commercial and recreational fishers, though some harvest them by hand using SCUBA. In Florida, only the claws (at least 2 ¾" in length) of males and non-egg-bearing females are legal to harvest. The crab must be returned to the water and it is considered best practice to only remove one claw, though it is legal to remove both as long as they are legal size. Fresh stone crab claws are typically available in seafood markets throughout Florida during the open season. Stone crab claws are easy to recognize – bright orange-red with dark purple or black tips – and house meat that is delicate and sweet.

RECREATIONAL HARVESTING OF SHELLFISH

Rules pertaining to both commercial and recreational harvest of shellfish in the Big Bend
include limits on size, bag (amount) and catch, as well as gear restrictions.
For most current regulations, visit Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:
www.myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational

HOW TO BUY, HANDLE, STORE & COOK SHELLFISH

For information on buying, handling and cooking shellfish,
visit Florida Department of Agriculture Consumer Services:
www.FreshfromFlorida.com/Division-Offices/Marketing-and-Development

FESTIVALS

Join one of the Big Bend’s annual festivals and experience local flavor at its best!

DIXIE/TAYLOR COUNTIES
FEBRUARY: FIDDLER CRAB IN STEINHATCHEE
APRIL: HORSESHOE BEACH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

JEFFERSON COUNTY
JUNE: WATERMELON FESTIVAL
APRIL: MONTICELLO BIKE FESTIVAL

LEVY COUNTY
OCTOBER: CEDAR KEY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
NOVEMBER: YANKEETOWN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

TAYLOR COUNTY
OCTOBER: FLORIDA FOREST FESTIVAL – WORLD’S LARGEST FREE FISH FRY