Governor Rell Signs Bill Renaming State

Shellfish Research Vessel in Honor of John H. Volk

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today signed a bill that renames the state shellfish research vessel – currently called the RV Yankee Oyster – the RV John H. Volk after a former Director of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Aquaculture.

            “This bill bestows a singular honor in a very worthy cause,” Governor Rell said. “John Volk was director of Connecticut’s Bureau of Aquaculture for 21 years. He loved his job, loved the Long Island Sound and was a tremendous advocate for our aquaculture industry. This is truly a fitting honor for a man whose work was not just his livelihood but his passion.”

            Volk, who died November 12, 2007, started his career in the shellfish industry as principal biologist for Long Island Oyster Farms from 1978 to 1982. He left that position to become Director of the Bureau of Aquaculture, a job he held until his retirement in 2003. He is credited with a major expansion of the state’s aquaculture industry and was known as a strong and effective advocate for preservation of such resources as the Long Island Sound shellfish beds that were threatened by proposed energy projects.

            Volk also served as an advisor during the development and establishment of aquaculture programs a several state vocational-technical high schools.