Connecticut's shellfish industry gains from new harvesting strategy

Connecticut's shellfish industry has benefited from a new strategy by the Department of Agriculture, reducing bed closures from eight days to as few as five. This change, implemented in 2024, has resulted in eight additional workdays for shellfish harvesters. The strategy was developed after analyzing over ten years of water quality and shellfish tissue data. It allows for earlier harvesting without compromising safety, addressing the impact of excessive rainfall that previously led to frequent closures. The new approach has been applied in several coastal towns, supporting over 300 jobs and generating more than $16 million in sales. The Department of Agriculture continues to prioritize public health while enhancing the industry's productivity.