Rhode Island’s 10th annual Quahog Week is set for May 17 through 23, with restaurants and markets across the state featuring special quahog dishes alongside three free public events organized by the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative.
The week-long celebration, organized by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative, honors the cultural and economic importance of the quahog, Rhode Island’s official state clam. A full list of participating locations and specials is available at seafood.ri.gov.
“Quahog Week is an opportunity to celebrate Rhode Island’s shellfish industry and the bounty of Narragansett Bay,” Gov. Dan McKee said. “Quahogging has a long history in the Ocean State and this ‘shell-ebration’ is a great opportunity to support local harvesters, restaurants, and seafood markets — and enjoy a favorite quahog dish or discover something new.”
Quahogs are Rhode Island’s most economically significant fishery in Narragansett Bay. More than 11 million were harvested last year by more than 400 quahoggers, generating more than $3 million in value. Harvested year-round, demand peaks in summer for littlenecks, clam cakes and stuffies, though quahogs are also staples in chowders and pasta dishes. Last week alone, harvesters landed more than 25,700 pounds, according to DEM.
“For a decade, Quahog Week has been a proud Rhode Island tradition that highlights the cultural and economic importance of our shellfishing industry and the importance of protecting the waters that sustain it,” DEM Director Terry Gray said. “Thanks to clean water infrastructure investments, strong environmental laws, and collaborative efforts with shellfishing partners we have expanded opportunities to harvest and enjoy RI Seafood.”
The Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative will host three free public events during the week, two of which will feature complimentary littlenecks shucked by members of the Rhode Island Shellfisherman’s Association, along with samples from participating venues and partners.
The week kicks off Sunday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Tiverton Farmers Market at the Tiverton Town Farm Recreation Area, 3588 Main Road. A Tuesday, May 19, event runs from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Narragansett Beer Providence Brewery, 271 Tockwotton St. The week concludes with an event at Newport Craft and Distillery, 293 JT Connell Highway, on Thursday, May 21, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Established in 2011 by the Rhode Island General Assembly, the RI Seafood Marketing Collaborative is a public-private body that supports local fishers and seafood farmers by promoting the consumption of locally harvested seafood. Its membership represents commercial fishing, aquaculture and seafood industries along with the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Sea Grant and state agencies including DEM, Rhode Island Commerce, the Department of Health and the Coastal Resources Management Council. The RI Seafood brand logo identifies products that are locally landed or grown, and the collaborative’s seafood finder helps connect consumers with fresh, local options.
Participants are encouraged to share their experiences on social media by tagging @RISeafood on Facebook and @RI.Seafood on Instagram.
