The state is seeking public input on a plan to restore the shellfish population.

The state Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Connecticut chapter of the national Sea Grant program will accept comments on a discussion draft of the Connecticut Shellfish Restoration Guide, available at bit.ly/ctshellfishdraft, through July 8.

The agencies in a news release said the guide includes action steps, best management practices and high-priority restoration projects to guide decision-making going forward. 

Officials describe the guide as the state's first and most comprehensive plan to lay the foundation for shellfish restoration in Connecticut's navigable waters and the tributaries of Long Island Sound. The draft was developed by a task force of state and federal agencies and nonprofit organizations, with the input of scientists, policy makers, regulators, businesses and residents.

The authors are seeking feedback on key information that is missing; proposed revisions, especially specific recommendations; how the guide will impact shellfish-based businesses or activities; and if and how members of the public may play a role in the implementation of the guide and its recommendations.

Comments can be submitted by email to shellfish@uconn.edu. Print copies of the draft document and a summary can be requested at the same email address.

Those who would like a response to comments should include their full name, email address and phone number. Note that a response will not be sent until after the comment period has closed and the agencies have had time to review all submitted comments.

For information about the guide, contact Tessa Getchis, Connecticut Sea Grant aquaculture extension specialist, at tessa.getchis@uconn.edu.