Hartford, Conn. – On the evening of May 28^th, members of the Connecticut Senate unanimously passed Bill No. 6839, historic legislation that will usher in the creation and implementation of a “Blue Plan” for the Long Island Sound. The passage of Bill 6839 not only serves as a symbolic affirmation of Connecticut’s deep commitment to preserving and sustaining the Sound’s diverse ecosystems, fisheries, and water quality, but also the coastal communities that depend on the Sound as a source of income and identity, and the growing coastal economy that ultimately impacts every Connecticut resident. CLF applauds the Connecticut General Assembly for their regional leadership in estuary conservation.

Championed by Governor Dannel Malloy as part of his February legislative package, Bill 6839, An Act Concerning a Long Island Sound Blue Plan and Resource and Use Inventory, is en route to the governor’s desk for his final signature.

“Through smart legislation passed today, we’re making the future brighter tomorrow.  The Long Island Sound is a critical component to Connecticut’s economy and quality of life – millions of people rely on its resources.  By taking action now, we are planning for our long-term future, protecting our environmental resources while making economic smart decisions,” Governor Malloy said in a prepared statement.

The “Blue Plan Bill” will create a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, state and local officials, representatives from both commercial fisheries and marine industries, environmental advocacy organizations and other stakeholders, charged with drafting a resource and inventory plan no later than March, 2019. The planning process will be comprehensive and multifaceted: up to date analyses of the Long Island Sound’s ecosystem health, coastal economies, industries, tourism, commercial fisheries and aquaculture will be completed, and will be further bolstered by spatial analyses resulting from the completion of satellite and GIS mapping. Throughout the multi-year planning process, the advisory committee will be required to host several public meetings throughout Connecticut’s coastal region, where the public will be encouraged to offer commentary and input regarding the draft’s content and design.

Upon completion, the Blue Plan draft will be submitted for approval to the Connecticut General Assembly, and once formalized, will herald resounding and far-reaching benefits for both the Long Island Sound’s habitats, diverse wildlife, and the local communities that depend on the Sound’s improved vitality and sustained health. While today the Long Island Sound contributes billions of dollars to Connecticut’s economy, the Blue Plan represents the state’s investment in the future, ensuring that generations will be able to enjoy the Sound’s resources, iconic beauty, and productivity for years to come.

Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning National Ocean Policy News Regional Ocean Planning