Fish hatcheries, and the programs they make possible, are again being put at risk due to the state’s budget deficit.

Tonight HB 1601 passed that did not include cuts to the state fish hatcheries. Credit goes to those who made the calls and sent emails and letters to their legislators.

The original budget proposed by the Governor cut the funding needed to run the Kensington Hatchery. This is the only hatchery in the state where Salmon and Seeforellen Brown Trout can be raised here in Connecticut.

Connecticut scientists Dr. Diba Khan-Bureau of Three Rivers Community College and Inland Fisheries Division Biologist Mike Beauchene have determined the species of algae that was first reported in the West Branch of the Farmington River (2011), Barkhamsted, is a NEW SPECIES to the world. Their findings were just published in the European Journal of Phycology.

Great news! The CT biannual appropriations bill HR 6350 was passed by both the House and Senate. The bill includes the item of $149,910 for Kensington Hatchery operations. Thanks to everyone who called and wrote to legislators on this issue. It made a difference!

UConn’s announcement that it was seeking additional supplies of water for its Storrs Campus in November of 2012, stirred up a bit of controversy and and outcry for better planning for our water resources in Connecticut. So what has happened?