The project purpose is to support ecologically sound science based fisheries conservation and management decisions

The Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 5 awarded $1.674 million to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on March 1, 2026, under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605).

The award funds data collection, research, and monitoring on the health, abundance, distribution, and harvest of marine recreational fishes in Connecticut. The recipient will maintain healthy and sustainable populations of fisheries resources within biological and cultural limits to support the state agency's conservation mission. The intended beneficiaries are the public who use and appreciate these natural resources.

The funding period runs from March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027, with performance conducted in Connecticut. The Sport Fish Restoration program distributes revenues from excise taxes on motorboat fuel, certain electric motors, fishing equipment, and import duties on fishing tackle and yachts. State agencies with lead management responsibility for fish and wildlife resources are eligible participants, and grantees may renew projects annually if justifiable and if funds are available. No subrecipient activities are associated with this award.

Activities to be performed include data collection research and monitoring on the health abundance distribution and harvest of marine recreational fishes in connecticut. Expected outcomes include maintaining healthy and sustainable populations of fisheries resources within biological and cultural limits which supports the bureau of natural resources mission of conservation. Intended beneficiaries are the public who use and appreciate these natural resources. There are no subrecipient activities.