The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DOAG) Bureau of Aquaculture manages applications and renewals for the Seed Oyster Transplant and Sales license. Get more information on how to apply for the Seed Oyster Transplant and Sales license, including requirements, application, regulations, and more below.
Notices
East of the navigation channel in the Bridgeport natural bed remains closed to seed oystering by DOAG.
License information
This license permits the harvest of seed oysters ONLY from natural shellfish beds from September 20-June 15. To harvest seed oysters on the Housatonic River, you must have the DoAG issued license AND a license from the town of Stratford; harvesting is permitted October 20-June 15.
Size requirements: Seed oysters can be harvested 1) at submarket size (2.5 inches or smaller) when taken from areas classified as Prohibited or closed Conditionally Restricted Relay areas OR 2) at any size in Restricted Relay waters.
Reporting requirements: All harvesters must submit a Relay Link for each vessel every day they work. They must also have an operational Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) on all boats. The licensee must immediately report any vessel with a non-operational VMS unit to DoAG. DoAG may revoke the license of any individual or boat that does not comply with the VMS requirement.
Depuration and testing requirements: ALL seed oysters harvested from Prohibited or closed Conditionally Restricted Relay areas must be transplanted for a minimum of 6 months. ALL seed oysters harvested from Restricted Relay areas must be transplanted for a minimum of 14 days when the water temperature is above 50℉. Pre-market testing is required prior to harvested relayed oysters for sale.
Selling/buying requirements: Seed Sellers must have a signed "Agreement to Sell/Buy Seed Oysters" on file with the DoAG. Seed Sellers must update this form with the Bureau prior to selling to a new buyer.
Landing Requirements: Seed oyster brought to land CANNOT EXCEED TWO INCHES, regardless of growing area classification. Seed oysters harvested from Prohibited or closed Conditionally Restricted Relay areas must have a red tag or marker satisfactory to the DOAG on each bag/container. Seed oysters harvested from Restricted Relay areas must have a yellow tag or marker. The seed oyster license number must be on ALL tags or markings.
All companies, boats, captains, and helpers must comply with the harvesting and vessel/dredge restrictions, as outlined on their license.
Application instructions
For new licenses:
Seed Oyster Seller and Transplanter licenses must be completed using www.elicense.ct.gov. A step-by-step e-license user guide is available for download. Seed sellers must upload completed Seed Oyster Seller-Buyer Agreement(s) directly into e-license.
For license changes:
Seed oystering license change requests must be completed using www.elicense.ct.gov. A step-by-step user guide is available for download.
For license renewal:
Seed Oyster Seller and Transplanter license renewals must be completed using www.elicense.ct.gov. A step-by-step user guide is available for download.
