Gov. McKee makes Quahog Week proclamation, lower Providence River to open for shellfish harvesting

May 14, 2021 6:15 pm

Nicole Poitras,

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WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE)- Gov. Dan McKee and Warwick mayor Frank Picozzi signed proclamations Friday to kick off Quaghog Week, which starts on Monday.

Restaurants will offer quahog-inspired dishes during the week, and participants will be able to find special deals on the clams. Currently, 24 restaurants and seven markets are participating.

Janet Coit, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, announced during the kickoff that for the first time in at least 75 years, a 1,900-acre portion of the lower Providence River will open to shellfish harvesting on May 26.

“Opportunities to shellfish in Narragansett Bay and our coastal waters are increasing thanks to strong environmental laws and significant investments in pollution abatement programs implemented by DEM and local communities,” said Coit.

Over 20 million quahogs are harvested from Narragansett Bay each year.

“Quahogging has a rich history in the Ocean State and supports the livelihoods of hundreds of Rhode Island fishermen and women year-round, along with local restaurants and food-based businesses,” said Gov. McKee.

Quahog week runs from May 17-23.