Description:This data was created by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture (DOAG) and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. All data (point, line, polygon) represent the approximate geographical location of shellfish beds, water quality classifications, DOAG water quality monitoring stations, permitted aquaculture gear sites, marinas, and markers in the Connecticut coastal waters of Long Island Sound. Gear permits are applied for via the State of Connecticut Application for Joint Programmatic General Permit (PGP) for Aquaculture Department of the Army General Permit. Permitted projects have undergone review by the State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture Bureau of Aquaculture, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District, and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. DOAG is responsible for all Shellfish and Seaweed licensing and regulations in both state and town waters.
Shellfish growing areas are classified in accordance with the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC) National Shellfish Sanitation Program Model Ordinance (NSSP-MO). Classifications are established to minimize health risks and restrict the taking and use of shellfish from certain areas. The jurisdictional line dividing the waters of the state was established in 1881. All beds south of this line are State beds and beds north of this line are town beds, except for Branford Initiative Licenses (BIL) and beds north of the jurisdictional line in Westport, Milford, West Haven, and New Haven, which are under state control. Town boundary lines extend to the Connecticut/New York mid-Long Island Sound boundary line. Town beds are leased, owned, or managed through the local shellfish commission. Towns may require additional local permits to work in waters under their jurisdiction. State and Town Natural beds have specific regulations concerning their use including licensing and harvesting methods. They are predominately seed beds that can not be mechanically harvested, leased, or subdivided and are to remain open to any properly licensed shellfisher.
For information or questions on shellfish area classifications contact the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture (DA/BA). Mailing address: P.O. Box 97, Milford, CT, 06460, USA. 203-874-0696. Fax: 203-783-9976. E-mail: agri.aquaculture@ct.gov.
The digital data is current to that effective date, or last amended date, recorded on the assessment date list (see supplemental information). This data is subject to change and the DOAG may have more recent information for some areas.
Copyright:Connecticut Department of Agriculture Bureau of Aquaculture