Moored Boat Sans Permit In Branford Waters? Move It: Harbor Master

From the Town of Branford:

BRANFORD, CT —The Branford Harbor Master, currently Vincenzo Suppa, has jurisdiction for approximately 20 miles of shoreline, the largest in Connecticut.

One of the essential roles of the Harbor Master is to maintain navigation channels and fairways clear of obstructions, this is partly accomplished through an annual permit process for the placement of moorings within Branford waters.

Over the past several years, many moorings have been placed within the Branford waters without
proper permit approval. In some cases, the moorings have created navigational obstructions, are
in a state of disrepair or have been abandoned. To reduce hazards within the navigable waterways the Harbor Master will be scheduling the removal of non-permitted moorings.

Effective immediately, all moorings that are not property permitted by the Branford Harbor
Master are subject to removal. Residents are advised to remove any moorings that do not have a
proper permit. Non permitted moorings will be removed by the Harbor Master beginning April
1, 2023.

Moorings will be held by the Harbor Master for a period of 90 days, after that they will
be disposed of.

For more information concerning the application process, click here.

Please contact Vincenzo Suppa, Harbor Master at vsuppa@branford-ct.gov with any questions or
concerns.

And as a side note:

"The Branford shoreline offers a wonderful opportunity for boaters and fishermen both recreational and commercial. That being said, Branford’s waterways pose some of the worst navigational hazards in all of Long Island Sound. There are countless reefs and rocks (most unmarked) that surge up from the sea floor and pose serious risk marine traffic. When boating in Branford, please exercise extreme caution. If you are unfamiliar with the area your best option is to stay in marked navigation channels."