Bay scallops

Bay scallops are small, sweet-tasting shellfish found in the shallow coastal waters of bays and estuaries, especially along the East Coast of the United States. They belong to the mollusk family, with a fan-shaped shell and a tender, flavorful muscle core that people eat. Bay scallops are often harvested commercially for their delicacy and are popular in various seafood dishes. They are valuable both ecologically and economically, thriving in warm waters and contributing to marine ecosystems. Their short-lived life cycle and specific habitat requirements make their populations sensitive to environmental changes.