Recreational bay scallop harvesting in the Pasco Zone has been temporarily suspended following safety testing, state wildlife officials announced Thursday. The closure affects all state waters located south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and north of the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, an area that includes the Anclote River. Pasco County Bay Scallop Season Halted Due To Toxin DetectionOfficials noted that the suspension remains temporary and that the Pasco Zone may reopen for scallop harvesting once follow-up testing confirms that toxin levels have dropped back down to safe limits. While scallop harvesting is currently halted in the zone, state officials confirmed that all other water-based recreational activities—including fishing, boating, and swimming—remain permitted throughout the area. Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.