Bay scallops get federal boost in Eastern Shore

NORFOLK -- A $2 million federal grant intended for habitat restoration is headed for Virginia's Eastern Shore.

One of the purposes of the funding announced today would be to revive the Chesapeake Bay scallop. Other projects include creation of 24 acres of oyster reefs and 100 acres of sea grass beds.

Under the project, about 2.4 million adult and baby scallops will be released onto existing grass beds, primarily located near the town of Oyster.

Bay scallops are slightly smaller and sweeter-tasting than sea scallops. They are being grown now at a hatchery and could be introduced this fall.

The scallops would be off-limits to fishermen at first but their release could be the first step back in reviving the commercial scallop fishery. -- The Associated Press