Larger, older individuals contribute disproportionally to reproduction in marine fish populations. Sustainability of exploited fish stocks may be enhanced by restricting the take of larger fish through harvest slot limits. Management measures protecting elders may improve angling opportunities in the heavily-restricted Tautog fishery, a coastal demersal fish species. Recreational fishing constitutes about 90% of the 4 million pounds landed annually. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, which is responsible for managing Tautog fisheries, determined that the stock remained overfished in its 2012 stock assessment.

Connecticut Sea Grant researchers explored alternative management regulations to help rebuild Tautog. They developed a separate stock assessment for Tautog in Long Island Sound and used the stock assessment model framework to characterize how alternative management strategies could affect both stock sustainability and recreational angling. 

The research was incorporated into Amendment 1 to the federal Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Tautog and contributed to the Commission’s decision to consider the Long Island Sound Tautog population as a distinct region.

Connecticut Sea Grant training prompted the installation of three new rain gardens in 2017, adding to the total area of 15,550 square feet of rain gardens across the state. In an average year, these rain gardens collectively treat about 330,460 gallons of stormwater.

Connecticut Sea Grant educates landscape professionals, municipal officials, homeowners, and students about the effectiveness of rain gardens as a way to limit the harmful effects of stormwater runoff. When it rains, runoff from rainwater carries pollutants into nearby streams, rivers, lakes, or ocean. Rain gardens collect water from rooftops, yards or driveways which can minimize the amount of pollution that would otherwise enter nearby bodies of water. Rain gardens can also reduce street flooding which can cause damage to nearby properties or limit access to local businesses.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria in shellfish can cause human illness. Since Vibrio levels tend to increase with water temperature, warming climates are likely increasing the risk of illnesses. An outbreak in 2013 highlighted the need for information on environmental conditions associated with high Vibrio levels in Long Island Sound to inform shellfish management.

Connecticut Sea Grant researchers partnered with shellfish regulators to apply observations, laboratory results, and models to understand and predict Vibrio outbreaks in Long Island Sound. A daily forecasting system for Long Island Sound was developed to indicate when and where high water temperatures and high bacteria levels will occur. The state Bureau of Aquaculture and oyster growers use this information to minimize food safety risks by rapidly cooling harvested oysters, limiting bacterial growth. The project changed shellfish management plans in Long Island Sound growing areas. Management now includes environmental triggers for rapid cooling of harvested oysters to limit further bacterial proliferation.