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.
Shellfish
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.
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.
Free webinar offered about Paycheck Protection Program
Attention aquaculture industry members: there is a free webinar at 2 p.m. April 6 about the U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program.
Website offers consumers a direct connection to seafood
Connecticut aquaculture farmers offering direct sales of fresh shellfish and other products to consumers can now be found easily on a newly created aquaculture sales website.
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.
More aquaculture producers urged to respond to survey
While nearly half of Connecticut aquaculture businesses have already completed a survey released on March 23, Connecticut Sea Grant and the state Department of Agriculture on March 24 urged those who had not yet responded to do so as soon as possible.
Aquaculture bureau adjusts operations during virus outbreak
The Bureau of Aquaculture issued the following notice about its status during the evolving COVID-19 virus situation.
Notice to CT aquaculture businesses about disaster loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus.
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.