Shellfish and Aquaculture Monitoring

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is the lead State agency responsible for shellfish and aquaculture. The Bureau performs coastal sanitary surveys along Connecticut's 250-mile shoreline and monitors shellfish growing areas in Long Island Sound for the protection of public health. Seawater samples are collected at numerous routine monitoring locations along the coastline and tested for fecal coliform bacteria. Fecal coliforms are an indicator group of bacteria, that when found at certain levels, suggest bacterial or viral contamination of the waters. Shoreline surveys are conducted to assess and correct sources of pollution. The DA/BA examines plankton tows and shellfish meats as necessary to evaluate the potential for marine biotoxins that can be formed by certain types of phytoplankton. The Bureau also posts signs in areas closed to shellfishing, performs hydrographic dye dilution studies, performs environmental investigations, prepares memorandums of understanding for conditional shellfishing areas, reviews applications for shellfish harvest operations and initiates emergency closures of shellfishing areas. Waterbody or Watershed Names: Long Island Sound Sponsor: State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Aquaculture Additional Information OR Comments: Please contact the program for more information.