Aquaculture
Introduction
Connecticut is a major producer of shellfish, including oysters and northern quahog clams, valued at greater than $30 million. A large percentage of this product is farm-raised. There are 46 companies that employ greater than 300 individuals. The vast majority of the industry continues to practice traditional bottom cultivation relying on natural seed production or seed gathered from natural beds. However, a growing number of operations are utilizing aquaculture gear such as cages, bags and longlines that are placed in the water column. Several hatcheries in Connecticut and New York supply shellfish seed to these companies. A number of other species are being studied for commercial viability including kelp (seaweed), blue mussels and bay scallops. The state has several freshwater fish farms that grow trout and baitfish for stocking ponds.
To learn more about aquaculture in Connecticut, visit: shellfish.uconn.edu
Vision: thriving coastal ecosystems and communities
The goal of the Connecticut Sea Grant Aquaculture Program is too contribute to the expansion of environmentally- and economically-sustainable marine aquaculture industries in Connecticut and the Northeast. The program aims to address needs of a growing industry through an integrated program of research, outreach and education that reduces impediments to a sound business; improves profitability; manages aquatic health; addresses issues of conflict and policy; and assesses impacts of aquaculture on the environment. Extension staff conduct collaborative research projects with industry, work with university scientists on applied research, partner with resource managers to streamline the aquaculture permitting process, assist municipal commissions with shellfisheries management efforts, offer technology and information transfer seminars and provide one-on-one consultations for prospective industry members. Staff members also offer educational programs to community groups and school systems on aquaculture and shellfisheries topics. Its is our belief that by educating the public about the role that aquaculture plays in our food supply, economy and society, aquaculture will gain greater acceptance and growth will be encouraged.
Fisheries
Connecticut's commercial fishermen harvest the waters of both Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, landing catches of sea scallops, silver hake, squid, flounder, butterfish, American lobsters, scup, and monkfish, among other species. In 2006, the ex-vessel value of the commercial wild harvest (excluding clams and oysters which are farmed) was worth more than $16 million. With the exception of sea scallops, commercial landings have largely declined over the past decade due to a number of factors, including the lobster mortality event affecting a significant portion of the Long Island Sound resource in 1999 and increasingly restrictive fisheries management measures put in place to promote the re-building and sustainability of several commercially-important fish species. These factors, coupled with rising operational costs, reduced waterfront access and adequate dock space, and severe development pressures, have reduced the number of full-time and part-time commercial fishermen in Connecticut. Nonetheless, commercial fishing has been, and will continue to be an important part of Connecticut's maritime history and economy.

Diverse perspectives explored in new issue of Wrack Lines
Learn about bringing more diversity to the sciences, environmental justice, the Shoreline Greenway Trail, a new diversity fellowship and the unique career of Bob Pomeroy with fish and fishermen across the globe in the Fall-Winter 2020-21 issue of Wrack Lines magazine.
[Read More]
Celebrate Seafood Month this October with these recipes
Jacques Pepin’s fish tacos, made with local black sea bass filets, is an easy delicious way to celebrate National Sea Food Month this October.
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American Lobster Research & Extension Initiative newsletter
The first issue of the Connecticut newsletter for the American Lobster Research and Extension Initiative, a project of seven Northeast Sea Grant programs including Connecticut Sea Grant, is now available.
[Read More]For More Information
Contact:
Tessa Getchis, Extension Educator
Anoushka Concepcion, Assistant Extension Educator
Nancy Balcom, Extension Program Leader
Robert Pomeroy, Extension Specialist
Aquaculture Resources
Locations offering direct sales of fresh shellfish and other seafood
Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Connecticut Aquaculture Industry - Preliminary Report
Seaweed Cultivation: CTSG Outreach and Extension Activities
CT Aquaculture Essential Knowledge flyer
Connecticut Aquaculture Funding Opportunities & Research Needs 2019 PowerPoint presentation
Publications
View our fisheries publications.
View our aquaculture publications.
View the Connecticut Seafood Survey report.