Scallops are made of white meat, similar to crab or lobster meat. This meat is encased in a hard shell that protects the scallop while it grows.  The scallop's shell is also used to help the scallop move along the ocean floor.  Once the scallop reaches full size, it will detach from its shell and float to the water's surface. Scallops are typically found in shallow waters near the coastline.