The map collection represents the first phase of the Connecticut State Shellfish Atlas, which was designed to locate and identify the shellfish grounds in the estuarine waters of the State of Connecticut. Atlas-designated areas show only those grounds believed to support and produce shellfish of commercial and sport fisheries value and do not show historically productive but presently inactive shellfish areas. Of the leased grounds charted by the Connecticut State Shell Fish Commission, only the active portions were recorded. The coast of Connecticut includes varied species of shellfish but some in only limited numbers such as razor clams, mussels, soft clams, surf clams and ocean quahogs. These pockets of shellfish were not recorded due to their small size and limited value. Shellfish beds were located and identified in all waters regardless of classification: closed shellfish areas prohibiting harvesting, and open areas, as well as conditionally approved classifications.