Bill to restrict scalloping signed

A bill to tighten regulations on scallop harvesting in the Niantic River was signed Friday by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, along with 94 other measures.

The bill, which goes into effect Oct. 1, empowers the Waterford-East Lyme Shellfish Commission to ban the harvesting of scallops that can pass through a 2-1/2-inch ring. The current standard is a 2-inch ring.

The measure also was intended to enable the Marine Science Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut in Groton to sell tilapia and rainbow trout that it grows in aquariums to a seafood wholesaler while streamlining licensing procedures for aquaculture producers.

- Lee Howard