Two federal grants totaling almost $600,000 will help launch two initiatives considered crucial to the long-term viability of the state’s aquaculture industry. The grants will fund a two-year project to assess aquaculture workforce development needs and a mobile lab to support the seaweed industry.
Shellfish
New video documents habitat services of oyster cages
Researchers at the NEFSC Milford Lab investigate shellfish growers’ reports that aquaculture gear attracts fish. Using GoPro cameras and eDNA analysis, they found that the cages provide critical habitat for a variety of fish at all life stages. A video of the project is now available.
Value of oysters to LIS highlighted in public radio show
The Connecticut Public Radio show “The Wheelhouse,” featured CT Sea Grant’s Tessa Getchis talking about the economic and environmental importance of oysters in Long Island Sound, as well as the shellfish restoration plan and the shell recycling initiative.
Wrack Lines wins Award of Excellence in 2023 APEX contest
The Spring-Summer 2022 issue of Wrack Lines magazine has received an Award of Excellence in the 2023 APEX/Communications Concepts Awards for Publication Excellence.
Students learn the ins and outs of shellfish farming
In the “Foundations of Shellfish Farming” course offered for the first time this year, 18 students were immersed in plenty of practical, first-hand knowledge about aquaculture.
2023 undergraduate fellows to focus on plastics, sea scallops
Big challenges don’t scare Myalia Durno and Brendon Goulette, recipients of CTSG Undergraduate Research Fellowships. This summer, after finishing the spring semesters at their respective colleges, Durno and Goulette will delve into two of the most complex problems facing the marine environment.
WTNH Channel 8 airs story on CT shell recycling program
WTNH Channel 8 news broadcast a story about Connecticut Sea Grant’s shell recycling initiative on its April 19 show. CTSG’s Tessa Getchis, aquaculture extension specialist, and Michael Gilman, shell recycling coordinator, were interviewed for the piece.
Shell recycling initiative being introduced in Connecticut
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.
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.
Issue explores offshore wind, art, forest projects & more
The Fall-Winter 2022-2023 issue of Wrack Lines is filled with articles and images telling stories around the theme of “Looking Ahead: people and projects shaping the future.”