Long Island Sound

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.

1st food safety guide for seaweed may help product advance

Connecticut-grown kelp is a little like an unopened packet of summer squash seeds left on a shelf after planting season has passed. While its potential to become a mainstay of restaurant and home-cooked meals has been promoted in recent years by growers, the media, and others, the reality hasn’t caught up. But a newly published guide could help change that.

Hearing airs ideas on Blue Plan’s strengths, shortcomings

Sound science, an open and transparent process, and a treasure trove of facts, figures and maps available to everyone — those are some of the attributes speakers ascribed to the Long Island Sound Blue Plan at a public hearing before the Environment Committee of the State Legislature on Feb. 21.

Lecture explores art, science of plastics in the environment

Photographer Elizabeth Ellenwood and UConn Marine Sciences Prof. J. Evan Ward will offer different and complementary perspectives on the proliferation of plastics in the marine environment at a Feb. 25 talk at the Avery Point campus of the University of Connecticut.

Classes teach how to make connections with gardening

Registration is now being accepted for this year’s Coastal Certificate Program, titled “Pathways from Source to Sea — How Gardens Can Make the Connection.” It will take place in March at Connecticut College in New London.

Research relieves concerns about conditions for LIS shellfish

Worrisome questions about whether plastic pollution and changing water chemistry are affecting Long Island Sound’s edible shellfish got some reassuring – though qualified – answers at a meeting of Connecticut’s municipal shellfish commissions on Jan. 11.