Connecticut's oysters, renowned for their quality and flavor, are set to become more accessible with the launch of the Connecticut Department of Tourism's
Oyster Trail map.
The map features 13 farms, 10 stores and 22 restaurants across the state, offering oyster lovers the opportunity to embark on a journey to discover unique oyster experiences.
"Each shellfish company that's in these rivers, they all have little different flavors, so mapping this out, people are able to find and enjoy the different parts of Connecticut," said Norman Bloom, from Copps Island Oysters.
Merchants and restaurateurs are hoping the map will increase business, according to Pagano's Seafood owner Alan Pagano.
"I hope the map lets people know they can call on the phone and say I want a dozen oysters, or I want 200 oysters," he said.
Pagano says the restaurant sells about 1,000 oysters a week and demand grows in the spring and summer.
The state says the industry is committed to protecting and restoring shellfish habitats, shell recycling programs help the shoreline and improve water quality.
Approximately 20 million oysters are harvested annually in Connecticut, contributing $4 billion to the state's economy.