res21248

R 248

2021 -- H 6336
Enacted 05/12/2021

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING MAY 17-23, AS "QUAHOG WEEK 2021" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives Bennett, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Vella-Wilkinson, Shanley, McNamara, Serpa, Filippi, Tanzi, and Corvese

Date Introduced: May 12, 2021

WHEREAS, Rhode Island proudly supports its burgeoning food industry; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island’s fishing and seafood sector is a key component of the Rhode

Island food industry; and

WHEREAS, A recent study by the University of Rhode Island found that the total

economic impact of Rhode Island’s fisheries and seafood sector is nearly 4,400 jobs and $540

million annually; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island quahog fishery plays a particularly important role in the

history, culture, and economy of the State; and

WHEREAS, The quahog is the most economically important marine resource harvested

from Narragansett Bay; and

WHEREAS, Over 20 million quahogs with an ex-vessel value exceeding $4 million are

harvested from Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island coastal waters on an average annual basis;

and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island’s commercial quahog fishery is characterized by independent

owner/operators who typically work alone on small boats and often in harsh conditions; and

WHEREAS, There are over 500 licensed commercial shellfishermen and women

engaged in the quahog fishery in Rhode Island, with about 250 engaged full-time and year-round;

and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island quahog fishery produces a steady supply of fresh product

to the market throughout the year, thanks to a well-managed, sustainable resource and the grit and

determination of the hard-working harvesters; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island’s seafood retailers, namely markets and restaurants, provide

fresh Rhode Island quahogs to local consumers, enriching palates and bolstering our local food

economy; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island quahog fishery has withstood the challenges posed by the

pandemic, and the Rhode Island restaurant industry has held its own, with both now poised to

strengthen as our economy reopens and builds back; and

WHEREAS, Water quality improvements in Narragansett Bay have led to the opening of

1,908 acres of new shell-fishing waters in the lower Providence River in 2021, providing a

significant growth opportunity for the fishery; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative was established by the

Rhode Island General Assembly in 2011 for the purpose of promoting and advancing the interests

of Rhode Island’s seafood industry; and

WHEREAS, A key outgrowth of the Collaborative has been "Quahog Week," an annual

statewide celebration that highlights the importance and appeal of Rhode Island’s iconic clam;

and

WHEREAS, "Quahog Week" has proven successful in increasing consumer awareness

and demand and associated sales and market opportunities for quahogs; and

WHEREAS, The 5th annual "Quahog Week" takes place in 2021 during the week of May

17-23; and

WHEREAS, "Quahog Week 2021" features a large number of restaurants and markets

throughout the State offering quahog-based specials on their menus and in their display cases, all

highlighted on the SeafoodRI.com website; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

congratulates the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative, the Rhode Island

Shellfishermen’s Association, and the many partners who have joined together to make "Quahog

Week 2021" a premier statewide event; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this House hereby encourages all Rhode Islanders to support Rhode

Island’s local quahog and seafood industry by participating in "Quahog Week 2021" and enjoying

fresh Rhode Island quahogs throughout the year; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Honorable Daniel McKee, Governor of the

State of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative and the Rhode Island

Shellfishermen’s Association.

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LC002833

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