Abstract: An improved spat collection system and method of use thereof, said system comprising a plurality of spat collection panels suspended from a floatation device placed in a marine environment, said panels attached to said floatation device by a suspension mechanism, and a predator protection device adapted to surround the panels to minimize predation of spat collected thereon; said method comprising the steps of placing said spat collection system in a suitable marine environment, allowing said spat collection system to remain in the marine environment for an appropriate length of time, then withdrawing one or more spat collection panels from the marine environment and scraping accumulated spat from said panel into a container before replacing said panel in the marine environment.