OUR COMMERICAL
FISHING COMMUNITY
Stonington is proud to be home of the last commercial fishing fleet in the state of Connecticut. For generations, local families have made their living by dedicating their professional life to the sea. Despite significant industry challenges, their brave efforts and dogged determination have resulted in a bounty of incredible fresh lobsters, scallops, fish and more. The seafood makes it way to the menus of our many outstanding restaurants in the region, to local markets and to the dinner tables of families throughout southeastern CT and southern RI.
The buoys shown at the bottom of this page pay homage to the fishing industry and depict some of the boats that operate out of the Stonington Town Docks. We appreciate the fishermen sharing the property with us this winter so that we can present the lobster trap tree for the community. These buoys will be gifted to the fishermen.
To learn more about the fisherman and the businesses that operate out of the Stonington Town Docks, read this insightful article by Joe Wojtas of The Day.
FISHERMEN PROFILES
Josiah Dodge
F/V Edrie and Logan
Sunset Hill Fisheries
To say I am from a multi generational fishing family is an understatement. In 1661 my ancestor Trustrum Dodge was paid 3.5 acres to come to Block Island from the Massachusetts colony to fish so they could settle the island. We never really got away from that heritage very far. I follow in my families history to feed my Community. Today I focus on local species such as fluke, scup, sea bass, and lobster.
Empire Fisheries
Empire Fisheries is a commercial fishing business out of the port of Stonington, CT. Our fleet of scallop and squid boats represents the largest fishing fleet in the state. We are committed to using the most sustainable methods available, protecting our fishermen, and protecting the ocean environments we rely on. We are proud to carry on the Stonington tradition of bringing fresh, healthy seafood to communities around the world.
The Empire Fisheries family of companies have a long history in Stonington, CT. Started as Briarpatch Enterprises, Inc. in 1982, we have evolved through many different fisheries. The original Briarpatch company still exists as our aquaculture business, farming clam and oyster beds in Long Island Sound and Fishers Island Sound.
Today, Empire Fisheries operates four burgundy-hulled trawlers out of the port of Stonington. Regulus, Invictus, and Furious specialize in scallops. Starbrite specializes in squid and fish. They are all built to fish year-round in extreme weather.
Learn more at empirefisheries.com