Two projects have been funded by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, as State Wildlife Grants.
"Anadromous rainbow smelt in Connecticut: Assessment of populations, conservation status, and need for restoration plan"
"Tomcod in Connecticut: Assessment of populations, conservation status, and need for restoration plan"
Eric Schultz, project director; Robert Neumann, Heather Fried, co-principal investigators
Both projects concern species that have commonly been referred to as frostfish, because of their historically high abundance inshore during the winter months. Both species are clearly declining in abundance, in Connecticut and other states in the region. Indeed, the Fish Advisory Committee of the Endangered Species Program recently recommended that the rainbow smelt be listed as a threatened species under the Connecticut Endangered Species Act (CGS 26-303). The tomcod is not presently a listed species but the Fish Advisory Committee has recommended that studies be undertaken to clarify its status.
The goal of each project is to assess population status and determine what actions if any should be taken to ensure its long-term viability.
Specific objectives of the research
Heather Fried's website for other details of the research