Connecticut Senate Bill SB00698

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/15
• Refer: 1/23/15

Caption

An Act Authorizing Moorings On Oyster Beds For Waterfront Residential Properties And Yacht Clubs And Marinas.

Impact

The bill has potential implications for both local property owners and environmental regulations. By allowing moorings to be placed on oyster beds without consent, it could lead to increased use of these natural resources by waterfront property owners, potentially affecting the ecology of the local marine environment. The specific temporal restriction of placing moorings only between April and October provides a seasonal safeguard, which may mitigate some environmental concerns. However, the overall impact on oyster bed health and local ecosystems remains to be studied.

Summary

SB00698 aims to amend section 26-157a of the general statutes to allow individuals to place moorings on oyster beds under specific conditions. It proposes that such moorings can be set up without the permission of the oyster bed owners or lessees. This change is particularly targeted at noncommercial, residential moorings associated with waterfront residential properties and moorings in fields managed by yacht clubs or marinas that were established prior to October 1, 1986.

Contention

One of the key points of contention surrounding SB00698 might relate to the rights of oyster bed owners versus the rights of residential property owners. Critics may argue that the bill undermines property rights by allowing moorings on beds that do not belong to the mooring party. Proponents may counter that it encourages reasonable access to marine resources for local waterfront residents. The debate inherently questions the equilibrium between private ownership rights and community accessibility to natural resources, especially in popular waterfront areas.