While the pandemic curtailed many favorite activities, recreational shellfishing remained popular and even surged in many shoreline towns last year. Stories of strong interest in shellfishing along with pandemic challenges were heard at the Feb. 13 Annual Meeting of Shellfish Commissions.
Aquaculture
8 research projects seek to improve management of LIS
Eight research projects that will examine various facets of the water chemistry and habitat quality of Long Island Sound and potentially yield more effective management decisions have been awarded more than $2.8 million in federal funding through the Long Island Sound Study Research Grant Program.
Highlights of FY 2020 showcased in new annual report
Connecticut Sea Grant’s Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Report is now available. With photos, graphics and summaries of many of our projects and initiatives, it’s a great way to get a quick overview of our programs.
Aquaculture rapid response: challenges & opportunities
Learn about the COVID-19 rapid response that Sea Grant programs throughout the North Atlantic region, including CT Sea Grant, have provided to shellfish aquaculture businesses in these two documents.
Bipartisan bill to provide $483M for Sea Grant passes house
Connecticut 2nd District Rep. Joe Courtney and the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the bipartisan National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2020 (S. 910), which authorizes $483 million over four years for the National Sea Grant College Program.
Shellfish farmers stay afloat with innovation, financial aid
CT shellfish farmers endured the precipitous sales losses that nearly shut their businesses during the early days of the pandemic last spring. Now they are preparing to weather what could be even tougher months ahead, with fresh influxes of financial aid coming just when they’re going to need it most.
Connecticut stays on guard against toxic algae blooms
If you’re a Connecticut shellfish farmer, your ears might perk up a bit when you hear the term HABs – harmful algal blooms. But thanks to the well-coordinated early warning system in place to catch an outbreak, people can eat clams and oysters from Long Island Sound with confidence.
Climate Change and Aquaculture in Connecticut’s Long Island Sound
“Climate Change and Aquaculture in Connecticut’s Long Island Sound,” addresses an issue of great importance to the state’s multi-million dollar aquaculture industry.
The Connecticut Seafood Survey: Assessing Seafood Consumption, Knowledge, Behaviors and Preferences of Connecticut Residents
“The Connecticut Seafood Survey: Assessing Seafood Consumption, Knowledge, Behaviors and Preferences of Connecticut Residents” offers information to better understand current eating habits and how to get more seafood into Connecticut residents’ diets — especially shellfish, fish and seaweed from local waters.
Project expands support for CT shellfish industry
Connecticut shellfish farmers who endured severe sales losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic are being offered the chance to earn income by working on a unique project to rehabilitate the state’s natural shellfish beds.