“The Town of Westport was an excellent steward of the shellfish beds before the state assumed jurisdiction, and will be again. Supporters of the bill understand that proper management, including seeding of the beds, is very important if we are to ensure that Cockenoe Flats is here for not only for us, but also for future generations of Connecticut citizens. Today’s Senate vote is excellent news for everyone in Connecticut who enjoys harvesting their own shellfish,” said Senator Freedman.

The legislation, HB 7018, An Act Concerning Identification of Harvested Shellfish, was already passed by the House of Representatives and is on its way to Governor M. Jodi Rell’s desk.

Specifically, the legislation transfers jurisdiction of the Cockenoe Flats shellfish grounds from the state to the town of Westport, gives the Westport Shellfish Commission jurisdiction over recreational clamming in the shellfish grounds, and allows the commission to issue recreational clamming permits for use of the grounds by all state residents.