Empty oyster and clam shells from Long Island Sound shouldn’t be treated like trash. They are vital components of healthy habitat for shellfish and other marine life, and need to be returned to their watery home. That’s the message shell recycling advocates are advancing as part of a new statewide initiative.
Connecticut
Connecticut Sea Grant seeking applicants for 3 positions
CT Sea Grant is excited to share openings for three extension positions. Applicants are being sought for: extension educator-nature-based approaches to resilience; sustainable and resilient communities assistant extension educator; and Long Island Sound outreach coordinator.
9 projects focus on LIS marshes, water quality, public beaches
Long Island Sound water quality, salt marsh and public beach characteristics will be examined by marine and social scientists in nine research projects awarded funding by the Connecticut and New York Sea Grant programs and the EPA’s Long Island Sound Study.
“Deploying Sugar Kelp Seed String” video
New video, “Deploying Sugar Kelp Seed String,” showing the process of planting seaweed in LIS. Kelp farmer DJ King and Anoushka Concepcion, associate extension education specializing in marine aquaculture, talk about this new and exciting crop that is edible, nutritious and environmentally friendly.
CTSG receives federal funds for community resilience work
CTSG has been awarded $125,000 in federal funds for ongoing initiatives that enhance community resilience to climate change impacts. The funding will support the UConn Climate Corps program and also be used for projects on LIS habitats that protect communities from flooding and storm damage.
Shell recycling engages lively discussion at annual meeting
Like the sidewalks and streetlights of a town, oyster and clam shells are an essential feature of a healthy marine ecosystem in Long Island Sound. A presentation and robust discussion about developing shell recycling programs highlighted the Annual Meeting of Shellfish Commission on Jan. 21.
Register now for shellfish farming course starting Jan. 24
Foundations of Shellfish Farming is a training course for new and prospective farmers and those who simply seek to learn more about aquaculture practices and techniques. Classes will meet at UConn Avery Point on Tuesday evenings from Jan. 24 to April 11.
Barrett interviewed about CT forests, rising seas and climate
Listen to CT Sea Grant Coastal Habitat Specialist and UConn Extension Educator Juliana Barrett being interviewed by radio show host Wayne Norman on WILI on Nov. 9.
In New Haven, confronting realities, responses to climate crisis
About 75 New Haven residents gathered at the John S. Martinez School for an event called Climathon to learn about the global crisis of rising waters and temperatures, and how they can respond as individuals and as a community.
Rethinking CT’s Coastal Land Use and Adaptation Strategies
A study by Juliana Barrett of CT Sea Grant and UConn researcher Tao Wu looks at past land use changes and the importance of taking factors such as socio-economic development and the dynamic nature of coastal environments into consideration to make these areas more resilient to climate change.