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H8569
2026 -- H 8569
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LC003181
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
COMMEMORATING MAY 17-23, 2026, AS "QUAHOG WEEK 2026" IN THE STATE OF
RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By:
Representatives Bennett, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale,
Paplauskas, Newberry, Santucci, Hull, J. Lombardi, and Tanzi
Date Introduced:
May 21, 2026
Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, Rhode Island proudly supports its burgeoning food industry; and
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WHEREAS, Rhode Island's fishing and seafood sector is a key component of the Rhode
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Island food industry; and
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WHEREAS, A recent study by the University of Rhode Island found that the total
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economic impact of Rhode Island's fisheries and seafood sector is nearly 4,300 jobs and
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approximately $420 million in annual statewide economic activity; and
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WHEREAS, The Rhode Island quahog fishery plays a particularly important role in the
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history, culture, and economy of the State; and
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WHEREAS, In 2022, approximately 397,000 meat pounds of quahogs were harvested
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from Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island coastal waters; and
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WHEREAS, Rhode Island's commercial quahog fishery is characterized by over 500
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independent owner/operators who typically work alone on small boats and often in harsh
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conditions; and
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WHEREAS, The Rhode Island quahog fishery produces a steady supply of fresh product
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to the market throughout the year, thanks to a well-managed, sustainable resource and the grit and
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determination of the hardworking harvesters; and
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WHEREAS, Rhode Island's seafood retailers provide fresh Rhode Island quahogs to local
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consumers, enriching palates and bolstering our local food economy; and
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WHEREAS, Water quality improvements in Narragansett Bay have led to the opening of
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1,908 acres of additional shellfishing waters in the lower Providence River, providing a
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significant growth opportunity for the fishery; and
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WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative was established by the
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Rhode Island General Assembly in 2011, for the purpose of promoting and advancing the
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interests of Rhode Island's seafood industry; and
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WHEREAS, A key initiative of the Collaborative has been "Quahog Week," an annual
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statewide celebration that highlights the importance and appeal of Rhode Island's iconic clam;
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and
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WHEREAS, The 10th annual "Quahog Week" takes place in 2026 during the week of
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May 17 through May 23; and
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WHEREAS, "Quahog Week 2026" features a large number of restaurants and markets
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throughout the State offering quahog-based specials on their menus and in their display cases.
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"Quahog Week 2026" will also feature special events; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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commemorates May 17-23, 2026, as "Quahog Week 2026" and congratulates the Rhode Island
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Seafood Marketing Collaborative, the Rhode Island Shellfishermen's Association, and the many
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partners who have joined together to make Quahog Week 2026 a premier statewide event; and be
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it further
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RESOLVED, That this House hereby encourages all Rhode Islanders to support Rhode
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Island's local quahog and seafood industry by participating in Quahog Week and enjoying fresh
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Rhode Island quahogs throughout the year; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing
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Collaborative, and the Rhode Island Shellfishermen's Association.
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LC003181
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