Connecticut Shellfish Restoration Plan Kick Off at Ash Creek

State and local officials gathered by Ash Creek on Monday, August 8th to laud the enhancement of Connecticut’s shellfish restoration program. Officials said Public Act 21-24, which went into effect last year, aims to help repopulate one of the most important creatures in the Long Island Sound — shellfish.

“They are instrumental in helping to protect our shoreline from erosion by providing critical ecosystem functions, all with the structure and habitat for other species that provide a food source for fish and other marine species,” Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz said.

Bysiewicz said part of the mission of supporting and creating more habitats where shellfish live involves a new tool created by state agencies, environmental groups and representatives from the shellfish industry. The tool gathers maps and information on oyster habitats.

This is the first time such a map has been created in more than 100 years, she said.

John Short, the chair of Fairfield’s shellfish commission, said shellfish beds like those found in Ash Creek are a treasure that need to be protected, nurtured and sustained.