Passengers on the on-the-water workshop get off the Volsunga IV on the dock at Outer Island, part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. Judy Preston / Connecticut Sea Grant
Connecticut Sea Grant continued the yearlong celebration of its 30th anniversary with an on-the-water workshop aboard the Volsunga IV in the Thimble Islands of Branford on June 7.
The second of four workshops marking the anniversary year, the excursion took 35 passengers on a two-hour trip around the islands, including a stop at Outer Island, part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, passengers learned from speakers about Connecticut Sea Grant’s work in Long Island Sound and the Long Island Sound Blue Plan; commercial and recreational shellfishing and kelp farming; and research projects funded by Sea Grant.
The first workshop took place in October aboard the Onrust out of the Connecticut River Museum. Other workshops are planed in the Groton-Stonington area and Norwalk harbor this summer.
The vessel is untied from the docks at Stony Creek harbor at the start of the workshop. Judy Benson / Connecticut Sea Grant
Captain Anna Milne steered the Volsunga IV through Branford harbor and the Thimble Islands. Judy Benson / Connecticut Sea Grant
The workshop took passengers to Outer Island for a program and brief tour. Judy Benson / Connecticut Sea Grant
Rick Potvin, manager of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, gave a talk about Outer Island as part of the workshop. Judy Preston / Connecticut Sea Grant
A dragonfly hitches a ride on a passenger’s hat during the workshop. Judy Preston / Connecticut Sea Grant
Long Island Sound Outreach Coordinator Judy Preston talked about progress on reducing nitrogen in the Sound and the Long Island Sound Study. Judy Benson / Connecticut Sea Grant
Research Coordinator Syma Ebbin talked about the wide variety of research projects funded by Sea Grant. Judy Benson / Connecticut Sea Grant
David Blatt of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection talked about the Long Island Sound Blue Plan. Judy Preston / Connecticut Sea Grant
A group from the Eastern Connecticut Conservation District was among the 35 passengers on the Volsunga IV for the workshop. Judy Benson / Connecticut Sea Grant
Tim, a chihuahua mix owned by Captain Anna Milne, came along for the journey. Judy Benson / Connecticut Sea Grant
Michelle Stephens of Greenwave talked about the company’s kelp farm as the vessel motored past the site. Judy Benson / Connecticut Sea Grant
Tessa Getchis, left, aquaculture extension specialist at Sea Grant, talked about commercial and recreational aquaculture. Judy Benson / Connecticut Sea Grant
