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August 5, 2024 Opinion & Commentary

Gov. Lamont: A new ambition for CT on National Oyster Day

By Ned Lamont

Yes, Aug. 5 is National Oyster Day!

Ned Lamont

While the oyster industry has been a vital part of Connecticut’s storied maritime history — complete with Norwalk’s 19th-century identity as the Oyster Capital of the World — our path forward is even more exciting. A modern oyster boom along the shorelines from Stamford to Stonington is both good for our growing economy and great for our environment.

This new ambition began with a series of regulatory changes made in the late 2010s aimed at rejuvenating the industry. Our once-thriving industry was hit hard by oyster disease outbreaks in the late 90s. Bushels harvested and sales hit a near 35-year low.

Of the many changes, one of the most transformative was streamlining the permitting process, creating opportunities for new farmers alongside expansion of our existing harvesters.

Imagine an aspiring oyster farmer, someone passionate about getting their hands dirty to grow the best oyster possible, being bogged down by a labyrinth of red tape. It’s a nightmare.

Now, with simplified procedures and stringent product handling laws, new and existing farmers with a dollar and a dream can set up their operations with ease and quickly sell quality products wholesale or direct to consumers.

These new opportunities combined with rigorous product handling guidelines have resulted in continued recovery and sales growth, with reported 2023 sales of 275,000 bags of oysters valued at $14.6 million. This growth is a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of our farmers, bolstered by supportive state policies.

Connecticut is boosting and enhancing its oyster industry with educational and financial initiatives. A partnership between the state Department of Agriculture and UConn Sea Grant has resulted in successful joint initiatives such as the Connecticut Restoration Guide, which offers a roadmap for rehabilitation and restoration of Connecticut’s shellfish populations; and a new comprehensive course for aspiring shellfish farmers.

Additionally, the state has teamed up with private lenders to provide Connecticut Small Business Boost loans at a favorable 4.5% fixed rate for many oyster farmers. These efforts are positioning Connecticut as a continuing leader in the oyster market.

With strong marketing efforts that cut through the noise, not to mention a little luck, Connecticut’s reputation as a culinary destination will continue to spread far and wide. Visitors will flock here to enjoy our oysters like they do lobsters in Maine.

Picture the bustling activity on our shores, new jobs being created, and an ever-growing supply of shellfish drawing residents and visitors alike to experience the “Napa Valley of Oysters.”

Oysters are not only a sustainable food source, but they are also a keystone species that provide additional habitat for other marine life. Each oyster can filter up to 45 gallons of water per day, helping to remove nutrients from the water column and prevent algal blooms like red tides.

Healthier waters mean a more resilient and vibrant ecosystem, enhancing the natural beauty that defines Connecticut, a testament to our commitment to preserving our state’s natural beauty.

As a coastal state, we’re looking at every way possible to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Coastal flooding and shoreline erosion are concerns, but shellfish beds can provide a natural barrier preventing both.

That’s why shell recycling programs, like Collective Oyster Recycling & Restoration, are important to the state. By collecting used shells from restaurants and shellfish festivals, and curing them for six months before putting them back into the Sound, we’re able to encourage the growth of oyster habitats that sequester carbon, lessen coastal erosion and slow flooding — all while reducing food waste.

Not bad, right?

By supporting Connecticut’s oyster industry, we’re not just honoring our history, we’re championing a future that balances economic prosperity with environmental stewardship. Our shores are on the cusp of a renaissance, one where the resilient spirit of our farmers leads to thriving communities and healthy waters.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves, dive into this opportunity, and build a legacy that future generations will celebrate. Join us in making the “Napa Valley of Oysters” a reality, and securing a vibrant, sustainable future for our state and our planet.

Ned Lamont is the governor of the state of Connecticut.

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