Maritime Aquarium proposes small educational oyster area at Veterans Park; commission readies February presentation

The Maritime Aquarium has proposed a small-scale oyster area on the southeast corner of Veterans Park for educational use, the Norwalk Shellfish Commission was told on Jan. 8. The project was described as modest in scope — “on the order of maybe a few 100 square meters,” a commissioner said — and the Aquarium has been invited to the commission’s February meeting to present details to staff and commissioners.

Commission members said Norm Bloom has been consulted and that the project’s educational benefits for children were a key reason to move it forward. The chair said he would contact the aquarium representative to invite her to the Feb. meeting so the project can proceed once water temperatures rise and conditions are set up for student activities.

Separately, commissioners discussed vendor logistics for shellfish permits. The commission has asked Ben at All American Bait and Tackle on Winfield Street about serving as an additional permit vendor; commissioners said Ben expressed interest last fall and that the permits are now in hand so he could begin if he chooses.

Members also described a new permit format that collects more information and noted plans to create a Shellfish Commission email account for targeted communications, such as educational notices and rapid health advisories (for example, Vibrio alerts). The chair said an invoice for the permits had been mailed to Bill and that he will handle it upon receipt.

The commission scheduled the Maritime Aquarium to present the children’s oyster project at its February meeting so staff and commissioners can review design details and timing before construction or deployment.