Applicants seeking to cultivate and/or depurate shellfish or other marine organisms using any method (other than traditional on-bottom culture without the use of any structures) must complete the Application for a Joint Programmatic General Permit for Aquaculture (link below). Before completing the application, a pre-screening meeting with the State Aquaculture Coordinator, located at DA/BA office in Milford, is recommended. If the proposed project area is within town waters, the proposed project plan must be reviewed by the local shellfish commission prior to completing the Application for a Joint Programmatic General Permit for Aquaculture.
Joint Agency Application to Conduct Marine Aquaculture in Connecticut
Aquaculture-related permits are overseen by both the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Below is a summary of who oversees each permit.
Structures, Dredging and Fill in Tidal, Costal or Navigable Waters
Any placement of fill, structures such as buildings, floats, docks, culverts, intake and outfall pipes, etc, dredging, and any other work in navigable waters of the State of Connecticut require a permit issued by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Office of Long Island Sound. The application process includes plan and site review and payment of application fees. The permit is required for the planning and control of development in coastal areas for purposes of environmental protection. Please contact the issuing agency for further information regarding fees and the application process.
Commercial Fish Hatcheries
The establishment of a commercial fish hatchery where legally acquired fish are held, hatched, and/or reared for sale requires a permit issued by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Bureau of Fisheries. The permit is required for the regulation of activities to protect the State's waters and the health of aquatic resources. Please contact the issuing agency for any fees and annual reporting requirements.
Transportation and Exportation of Fish, Reptiles, or Amphibians
The in State, and/or out of State, transport of any fish, reptile, or amphibian (also birds and quadrupeds) requires a permit issued by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Bureau of Fisheries. The permit is required for the regulation of species for which closed seasons have been established. Please contact the issuing agency for any tag and label requirements.
NEW Discharge 401 Certification/NPDES
Any discharge of water, substance, or material into the waters of the State requires a permit issued by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Water Management Bureau. The permit is required for Federal Clean Water Act compliance and the protection of the State's water quality and aquatic resources. Please contact the issuing agency for further information regarding fees and the application process.
Water Diversion Permit
The withdrawal, alteration, modification or diminution of State water resources for consumptive uses greater than 50,000 gallons per day requires a permit issued by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Water Management Bureau. The permit is required to protect the State's water resources. Please contact the issuing agency for further information regarding fees and the application process.
Releases from Aquaculture Systems
The release of water, plants, animals, or material from land-based aquaculture systems requires approval from the Bureau of Aquaculture to protect the State's natural environment and resources. Please contact the Bureau of Aquaculture for further information.
Anyimportation of shellfish larvae, seed, broodstock, or adults from a hatchery/supplier outside of Connecticut requires approval from the Bureau of Aquaculture State Shellfish Pathologist to ensure that no shellfish diseases are brought into the State and to protect the marine environment from the introductions of pest predators, parasites and undesirable aquatic plants and animals. Health certificates provided by other pathology laboratories may be acceptable, but not without approval. Please contact the Bureau of Aquaculture prior to importing any of the above. Pathology testing may be done free of charge.
Scientific/Educational Permits
The importation, rearing, cultivation, and harvest of animals and plants in both land-based culture systems, tanks, containers, or impoundments and waters of Long Island Sound for scientific or educational purposes requires a permit issued by the Bureau of Aquaculture. The permit is required to provide for controlled importation/use of aquatic organisms in the State. Please contact the Bureau of Aquaculture for further information. See also Scientific/Resource Assessment License.
Collection of Shellfish for Scientific Testing
The periodic collection of specimens from State waters for use by educational/research facilities may require license(s). Please contact the Bureau of Aquaculture for further information.
Shellfish Used in Laboratory Testing
Any shellfish imported or collected for laboratory studies with shall not be released to the natural environment and shall be destroyed upon completion of the experiment. Maintenance, possible quarantine of imported species, treatment of tank water, and disposal of animals once the experiment is completed must be explained in detail to Bureau of Aquaculture . Please contact the Bureau of Aquaculture for further information.