You don’t have to live near the beach to do your part on International Coastal Cleanup Day this Saturday Sept. 19. Picking up and documenting litter anywhere in the state that day will contribute to keeping all our lands and waterways clean, including Long Island Sound.
Coastal Resources
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.
Discarded fabric, puppets are grist for marine-themed art
Two artists using different mediums have been awarded 2020 Connecticut Sea Grant Arts Support Awards to create works conveying messages about human connections to the sea and the threats it faces.
Public meeting about CT estuarine reserve set for Aug. 4
Connecticut will be hosting a virtual scoping meeting for the public on Aug. 4 to provide the public with information on the proposed reserve and to seek input on issues that the Environmental Impact Statement on the CT NERR should consider.
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.
Seafood survey could help further increase in demand
With national data showing Americans have been eating more fish and shellfish during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report on a survey of Connecticut residents’ seafood consumption habits and preferences offers timely information seafood dealers can use to help make the increase permanent.
CT closer to establishing national research reserve
The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration has approved a network of state-owned properties and coastal waters in Lyme, Old Lyme, and Groton to be the site of the state’s first National Estuarine Research Reserve. This is the first major milestone in designating the area as the nation’s 30th reserve.
CBS news looks at impact of virus on CT oyster farming
CBS This Morning Saturday explored the impact of the coronavirus on Connecticut oyster farming, as well as the history of the industry, in a segment broadcast on April 25.
Teachers, parents invited to tap online education resources
Connecticut Sea Grant is encouraging teachers and parents to check out the many online educational resources available that can be used for virtual and at-home lessons about Long Island Sound and the larger marine environment.
Response launched for severely impacted aquaculture sector
Sales revenue for Connecticut aquaculture producers fell an average of 93 percent in February and March compared to the same period in 2019, and 70 percent of the workforce employed in shellfish, seaweed and finfish farming operations have been laid off due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.