Commemorating May 17-23, 2026, as "Quahog Week 2026" in the State of Rhode Island

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 4,300 jobs and approximately $420 million in annual statewide economic activity; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island quahog fishery plays a particularly important role in the history, culture, and economy of the State; and

WHEREAS, In 2022, approximately 397,000 meat pounds of quahogs were harvested from Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island coastal waters; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island's commercial quahog fishery is characterized by over 500 independent owner/operators who typically work alone on small boats and often in harsh conditions; 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 hardworking harvesters; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island's seafood retailers provide fresh Rhode Island quahogs to local consumers, enriching palates and bolstering our local food economy; and

WHEREAS, Water quality improvements in Narragansett Bay have led to the opening of 1,908 acres of additional shellfishing waters in the lower Providence River, 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 initiative 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, The th annual "Quahog Week" takes place in 2026 during the week of May 17 through May 23; and

WHEREAS, "Quahog Week 2026" features a large number of restaurants and markets throughout the State offering quahog-based specials on their menus and in their display cases. "Quahog Week 2026" will also feature special events; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby commemorates May 17-23, 2026, as "Quahog Week 2026" and 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 2026 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 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 Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative, and the Rhode Island Shellfishermen's Association.