Sarasota Bay Watch exceeded expectations for this year’s fundraiser on February 12, 2022 at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Nearly 400 participants came to support and raise funds for an additional 1 million clams for the non-profit organization that has already released 875,000 clams into Sarasota and Manatee waters.
“To have a community embrace our projects reaffirms our mission. We had such a great time at the event and are so thrilled with the success. Now it’s time to get our boots and gloves out again and get back to work!” — Ronda Ryan, Executive Director, Sarasota Bay Watch
Why clams? These animals naturally filter excess nutrients that contribute to red tide blooms, water clarity and hence sea grass growth, a necessary food source for local marine mammals. Depending on its size, a clam can filter 6-20 gallons of water per day.
During the event the audience was astounded by the clam-filtering demonstration, where a vase of murky algae water sat at the center of each table. As participants took their seats, the emcee brought attention to the vases of water and encouraged everyone to take photos with their cell phones. Student volunteers then dispersed through the room and placed 4-5 clams in each vase. Within 30 minutes the water was clear, providing the best wordless example of the power of these filter feeders.
Sarasota Bay Watch has a comprehensive approach to keep the local ecosystem healthy. Marine debris cleanups are conducted above and below the water, removing trash that endangers marine animals and shoreline birds, as well as removing nets that damage sensitive habitat and trap fish indefinitely. Data is collected to determine hotspots and areas for more frequent cleaning. While shoal islands are being cleaned, invasive plants are also being removed and native plants are planted.
Youth education is also a major focus for Sarasota Bay Watch. High school students volunteer with the organization to gain community service hours – a requirement to get a Bright Futures scholarship for the college-bound. While students are a tremendous workforce, more importantly they are a succession plan. Sarasota Bay Watch understands that the success of its mission is dependent upon a multigenerational approach.
Sarasota Bay Watch has a plan in place to deploy an additional 1 million clams in Sarasota and Manatee counties, and scientific entities are conducting experiments and collaborative studies around these sites. Sarasota Bay Watch is looking for volunteers to assist with these projects and to get involved with its on-going effort to protect and restore our local natural resource. All ages are welcome. Visit sarasotabaywatch.org.
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About Sarasota Bay Watch
Sarasota Bay Watch is an action-based, grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to restoring coastal ecosystems through citizen participation.
Sarasota Bay Watch, Inc. (SBW), a 501 (c) (3) organization, is registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Registration # CH26990. No amount of any contribution is paid to a professional solicitor and 100% of each contribution is retained by SBW.
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