- Connecticut Senate passes bill to enhance the state’s Shellfish Restoration Program and revive the Connecticut Seafood Council
- Measures expand Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s oyster shell recycling programs
- Connecticut Seafood Council would be increased from 11 to 13 members and reconstituted
Summary by Dirk Langeveld
The Connecticut Senate has unanimously passed a bill that would enhance Connecticut’s Shellfish Restoration Program and revive the Connecticut Seafood Council. The bill aims to strengthen the program while reconstituting the members of the council.
Key points of the legislation, which goes into effect on Oct. 1, include:
- Allowing the Connecticut Department of Agriculture to acquire shell or other cultch material to deposit on state shellfish beds, including the contracting of a shell recovery vessel for the purpose
- Permitting the department to receive and deposit cultch from oyster shell recycling programs it administers or authorizes
- Allowing the department to use funds for oyster shell recycling programs it administers
- Reconstituting the Connecticut Seafood Council and increasing it from 11 to 13 members
