Latest news with #ConnecticutDepartmentofEnergyandEnvironmentalProtection
New York Post
5 days ago
- General
- New York Post
700-pound shark caught off Connecticut coast may break state record: ‘Holy Mackerel'
Two Connecticut fishermen reeled in a massive 700-pound Thresher shark that could be the largest ever caught in state waters, according to a report. Ed Lovely, 46, spent over six hours wrestling the powerful predator alongside a friend off the coast of Stonington last Wednesday, ABC News reported. Once out on the water, Lovely strung out a fishing line and recalled thinking, 'Bang, I feel something,' as the hefty fish began pulling, he told the outlet. Two Connecticut fishermen reeled in a massive 700-pound Thresher shark that could be the largest ever caught in state waters. Ed Lovely 'We started fighting from there,' he said. Lovely worked for over six hours into the night with his fishing partner to reel in the 16.5-foot, 700-pound shark, which was longer than his entire boat, he recalled. At one point, he was in complete 'awe' over the shark's mammoth head peeking out of the waters. 'Wow, holy mackerel, look at that shark, it is the biggest shark I've ever seen,' Lovely remembered thinking at the time. Once they completed the harrowing catch, the pair of grown fishermen 'laid on the deck and started laughing like kids, just laying there in the dark with headlamps on,' he said. Since the shark was too big for Lovely's boat, it had to be rigged to the side of the boat — then towed away in a trailer once reaching land, the outlet reported. Lovely is currently in talks with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to see if the catch will break a Connecticut state record. Lovely is currently in talks with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to see if the catch will break a Connecticut state record. Ed Lovely A spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection also confirmed to the outlet that the triumph may qualify for a Marine Trophy Fish Award. Thresher sharks can be up to 20 feet long, according to the NOAA. Lovely's family has since cut up the shark's meat to be shared with family and friends, his wife, Cynthia, told the outlet.
6 days ago
- Entertainment
Massive shark caught off the Connecticut coast may break state record
Ed Lovely, from Hampton, Connecticut, told ABC News he takes any chance he gets to go out in the water and fish for sharks. Lovely, a 46-year-old owner of a drywall company, said a typical shark fishing excursion starts off "nice and peaceful," where he places "balloons out acting like a bobber to hold your bait to the depth you need." But then, "all of a sudden -- bang -- a shark hits and chaos happens," he said. His fishing trip last week began exactly the same, but here's the catch: he walked away with an estimated 700-pound shark that could potentially break the record for the largest one caught off Connecticut waters. "I still can't believe we did this," Lovely told ABC News. This gigantic catch -- which Lovely described as "a monster" -- occurred in the afternoon on July 30 off the coast of Stonington, Connecticut. Last year, Lovely caught 19 sharks, but he's "never seen" a Thresher shark -- mackerel sharks known for long tails that whip around -- this big in his life, he said. When they were out on the water that day, Lovely said they had been drifting a while and decided to go a mile further. Then once he had strung out the line, he said, "Bang, I feel something," with the shark immediately pulling the line, he said. "We started fighting from there," Lovely said. Two hours into attempting to reel the fish in, the two could finally see the monumental size of this shark, with Lovely saying he was "in awe." "Wow, holy mackerel, look at that shark, it is the biggest shark I've ever seen," Lovely said he was thinking at the time. Lovely said he and his friend worked over six hours to reel the creature in, and once they did, they "laid on the deck and started laughing like kids, just laying there in the dark with headlamps on." Since the 16.5-foot-long fish was not going to fit in his 16-foot-long boat, the two tied the shark to the side of the boat and drove to the dock, Lovely said. With the help of his son and a trailer, they were able to successfully transport the shark and leave the dock at approximately 1 a.m. The whole time, Lovely said what kept him going was "mental strength." "When we were fighting the fish before dark, I said to my buddy, 'It's getting dark, I don't have lights, maybe we should cut the line.' He turned around, looks at me and goes, 'We're not cutting the line, we're all in.' I got the headlamps out, and we kept fighting into the dark until we finally got him. It was insane, it was awesome," Lovely said. Now, Lovely is in communication with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to see if his catch will actually break the record. A spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection also confirmed to ABC News that this feat is under review for the Marine Trophy Fish Award. In the meantime, the shark's meat has been cut up, filleted and put in coolers to be shared with friends and family, his wife Cynthia told ABC News. Lovely's advice for anyone aspiring to do the same? "Go out there and try it." When asked if he would aspire to top this record, Lovely replied: "Absolutely not."
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Connecticut leaders hoping to draw tourists this summer
EAST LYME, Conn. (WTNH) — Many people are getting ready for this unofficial kickoff to the summer season, including state leaders who traditionally use the Friday leading into the Memorial Day weekend to tout tourism. Connecticut attractions push for more spending on tourism Today, they were at Rocky Neck State Park reminding people what the state has to offer. According to the state there, will be a lot for those kids and everyone to do this summer. 'No matter where you live in Connecticut, you are not more than 20 minutes away from one of our gorgeous state parks,' Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, (D-Conn.) said. Programs like Passport to Parks, which provides free parking to Connecticut residents, and Park Connect which provides shuttles from public transportation, are all designed to improve access to state parks and beaches. 'Users can now reserve all terrain wheelchairs in seven Connecticut State Park and Forest locations around the state,' Katie Dykes, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said. But it's also the many attractions like Mystic Seaport, named second best outdoor museum by USA Today and other national rankings, which state leaders hope will attract more visitors. 'The best state in the U.S. for hiking,' Anthony Anthony, chief marketing officer for the state, said. The state says tourism is an $18.5 billion industry in Connecticut, responsible for 125,000 jobs. If you do decide to head to the beach, three state parks will have lifeguards starting this Memorial Day weekend. Sherwood Island, Hammonasset and Rocky Neck State Park. 'Our tourism budget was about $12 million in 2023. Right now, if nothing happens in the legislative session with this budget, it's going to go down to $4.5 million,' Scott Dolch, president & CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, said. 'We're still in negotiations with the legislature right now as we're trying to get the right balance going forward,' Gov. Ned Lamont said. Many want more tourism money and more sunshine to help ensure a successful summer season. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CT rolls out new large-scale solar siting tool. It's aimed at making electricity more affordable
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has launched a new online tool for large-scale solar project siting in the state. The map tool, called the Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool, uses Geographic Information Systems mapping to display data in an easy-access format. It is free to the public and does not require specialized GIS software, DEEP officials said. The goal of the mapping tool is to allow for a more transparent and efficient siting and permitting process for large-scale renewable energy projects, while at the same time protecting Connecticut's environmental and natural resources, according to DEEP. Developed in partnership with the University of Connecticut's Center for Land Use Education and Research, the mapping tool allows for the display of data in a compelling, easy-to-access format using GIS technology. 'Large-scale renewable energy projects are an important component of our strategy to meet our energy supply needs, make electricity more affordable for residents and continue progress toward the state's target of a 100% zero carbon electric supply by 2040,' DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes said. Officials said that because Connecticut is the nation's fourth most densely populated state, it is important to ensure solar development is balanced with a wide variety of community needs that are also priorities for the state. Connecticut also has among the highest energy costs in the nation. The tool is being rolled out as part of DEEP's plan to highlight strategies Connecticut can pursue to achieve an affordable, reliable and clean electric supply over the next 10 years, according to officials. One element of the plan, mandated in Public Act 24-31, is for DEEP to produce an online map to assist with the 'potential siting of solar projects in the state' and further the goal of increasing the state's supply of zero-carbon energy. 'This new tool will inform the siting process and also provide greater transparency to the public,' Dykes said. UConn CLEAR is hosting a webinar with DEEP officials on June 18, at 1 p.m. to demonstrate how to use the new mapping tool. Anyone looking to get more information can register for the webinar at Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Thinking about bringing alcohol to a CT state park this weekend? See where it is banned.
If you're thinking of bringing alcohol with you to a Connecticut state park or boat launch this Memorial Day weekend, state officials are reminding visitors to follow a temporary alcohol ban at several state recreation areas or risk the possibility of being fined. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has announced a temporary alcohol ban for nine state recreation areas including Beach Pond State Boat Launch in Voluntown; Billings Lake State Boat Launch in North Stonington, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest; Gardner Lake State Park and State Boat Launch in Salem; Lake Waramaug State Park in New Preston; Naugatuck State Forest in Naugatuck, Oxford and Beacon Falls; Paugussett State Forest (upper section) and George Waldo State Park in Southbury; Quaddick State Park in Thompson; Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown and Middlefield; and Pattaconk Recreation Area in Chester. State officials said the ban is in effect through August 18. In recent summers, officials said these locations have experienced increased crowds and alcohol consumption, which has led to increased incidents of misconduct, unruly behavior, property damage, trespass and complaints by other visitors and the surrounding communities, according to DEEP. A temporary alcohol ban provides DEEP's Environmental Conservation Police with an enforcement tool, officials said. 'Enacting this measure will help ensure the safety of others and promote an atmosphere in our Connecticut state parks and forests which is enjoyable and meaningful to residents of all ages,' said DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes. Memorial Day weekend is among the busiest for state parks, according to state officials. In recent years, the state has cracked down on unruly behavior and ensuring that parks stay within capacity requirements. Just last week, officials announced they are offering an online reservation system for parking at the popular Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield to help improve the experience for visitors and reduce traffic congestion near the park. A state law passed in 2023 requires a set capacity limit for the park and authorizes DEEP to close the park to new visitors — whether entering by vehicle, on foot or by boat — when the vehicle capacity is reached Visitors can purchase up to two car passes at a time but must provide vehicle information for each pass, including each vehicle's license plate number. For those who enter in a vehicle registered out of state, the reservation fee is $22 per vehicle on weekends and $15 on weekdays. For those who enter in a Connecticut-registered vehicle, there is no fee for park entrance, as they are covered through the Passport to the Parks Program, officials said. However, a $2 reservation fee is charged for all transactions. Reservations can be made through the online reservation system or by calling toll-free 1-877-668-CAMP (2267) during call center hours. Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
