Food & Drink

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces that seasonal shellfish area closures will take effect at sunrise on Saturday, May 28, and will remain in place until Tuesday, Oct. 11. Consistent with federal requirements, DEM announces changes in shellfish harvest area closures in local waters every year at this time due to potential water quality impacts associated with marinas and mooring fields. The seasonal closure areas are within:
o Bristol Harbor
o Dutch Harbor Area, Jamestown
o Fishing Cove, Wickford Harbor
o Great Salt Pond and Trims Pond, Block Island
o Potter Cove, Prudence Island
o Sakonnet Harbor, Little Compton
In addition, small seasonal marina closures in the southern coastal ponds, Fort Wetherill/Jamestown, and the Kickemuit River in Warren also will go into effect on May 28.
No 2022 Shellfish Classification Changes
DEM scientists evaluate shellfish harvest area water quality in May of each year. This year they are recommending no changes in shellfish water quality classification. In recent years, improvements in water quality have allowed for increased shellfish harvest opportunities and the reclassification of areas from prohibited to conditionally approved for shellfish harvest. Decades of investment in wastewater treatment plant upgrades and the capture of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) have allowed for increased shellfish harvest opportunities in the upper Narragansett Bay. Most notably, in 2021 and for the first time in 75 years (since records are available), a 1,900-acre portion of the lower Providence River was opened to shellfish harvesting. The May 2022 shellfish water quality assessment showed that improved water quality in these areas continues to support safe shellfish harvest.
“A cleaner bay means more shellfishing,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “This supports our economy, diggers, seafood dealers, restaurants, and markets who help increase consumer demand for local shellfish and seafood. This week is Quahog Week when we celebrate the cultural and economic importance of the local quahog and raise awareness of local seafood and the RI Seafood brand. Decades of actions and investments at all levels of government, including implementation of permitting and compliance programs to address Rhode Island’s industrial history, reduction of bacteria levels from projects like the combined sewer overflow systems built and operated by the Narragansett Bay Commission, the elimination of thousands of household cesspools, and many other actions have resulted in a Narragansett Bay that is cleaner and healthier than in generations.”
Quahogs are the most economically important fishery resource harvested from Narragansett Bay. More than 14 million quahogs were landed in 2021. Among all inshore and offshore marine fisheries, quahogs are the state’s fifth-most valuable, following squid, scallops, lobster, and summer flounder (based on 2021 ex-vessel values).
Nearly 40 participating restaurants and markets are featuring quahog-inspired menu items and deals this week. Tonight, DEM will be holding its second public event to allow Rhode Islanders to meet hardworking quahoggers from the RI Shellfishermen’s Association. Diggers will be shucking and serving complimentary littlenecks at Quahog Night Providence, 5-8 PM, at Narragansett Beer Providence Brewery, 271 Tockwotten St., Providence. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information on seasonal closures and shellfish harvest classification, review the annual notice available at RIDEM – Shellfish. An interactive shellfishing map also is available.
For information on emergency and conditional area shellfish closures, call DEM’s 24-hour shellfishing hotline at 401-222-2900 or sign up for our listserv by emailing RishellfishOWR-subscribe@listserve.ri.gov.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.

PROVIDENCE – Governor Dan McKee and Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos announced today that Quahog Week – the annual event spotlighting Rhode Island’s favorite bivalve as well as the most economically important resource harvested from Narragansett Bay – will run May 15-21. Now in its sixth year, Quahog Week exists to promote the cultural and economic importance of the local quahog and raise awareness and demand for local seafood and the RI Seafood brand.
“We love our seafood in Rhode Island,” said Governor McKee. “It supports our economy, traditions, and families and is at the heart of why we’ve become such a popular ‘foodie’ destination. Quahogs are undeniably the stars of Quahog Week, which we celebrate to thank our hardworking local diggers and salute the seafood dealers, restaurants, markets, and other partners who help increase consumer demand, sales, and market opportunities for quahogs during the off-peak season. Quahog Week is a way to savor our favorite local clam and position seafood-related businesses for success.”
“This week-long celebration shines a light on Rhode Island’s favorite clam, the hard-working diggers who harvest them, and the many restaurants, markets, and food-based businesses that sell and serve quahogs and are committed to growing our local food system,” said Lieutenant Governor Matos. “I encourage Rhode Islanders to take part in the festivities by purchasing quahogs to cook at home or enjoying a meal made with delicious, freshly harvested clams at a participating restaurant.”
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM), in partnership with the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative and RI Shellfishermen’s Association, conceived of Quahog Week to grow the local food economy. Quahogging is a year-round activity in Rhode Island, so the product is available throughout the year. Demand tends to peak during the summer months, when stuffies and clam cakes serve as main attractions for shore-goers and tourists. Targeting the offseason for Quahog Week helps to increase consumer awareness, demand, sales, and market opportunities for quahogs during a time of year when the fresh product is readily available, but often overlooked. The Rhode Island food system supports more than 60,000 jobs and is a key driver in attracting tourism to the Ocean State. As quahogs are plentiful in Narraganset Bay year-round, they are perfect ingredients in myriad seasonal recipes including stuffies, hearty chowders, soups, various pasta dishes, and more.
“Quahog Week is one of DEM’s favorite annual events,” said DEM Acting Director Terry Gray. “It’s fun but also symbolizes much of what DEM is all about, such as water quality improvements in Narragansett Bay, which led to the opening of nearly 2,000 acres of new shellfishing waters in the lower Providence River last year, shortening the ‘food miles’ it takes to put nutritious meals on our tables, and increasing food security.”
The highlight of Quahog Week involves the many clam-tastic opportunities to access and savor fresh Rhode Island quahogs. Participating restaurants will feature quahog-inspired specials on their menus, and participating markets will offer deals for those who enjoy cooking their own clam dishes at home. Quahog Week partners include Dave’s Marketplace, Discover Newport, Eat Drink RI, Go Providence, Commerce RI, and the University of Rhode Island. This initiative adds to a growing series of initiatives undertaken by DEM, the RI Seafood Marketing Collaborative, and partners throughout the industry to promote and market fresh Rhode Island seafood and support our critical local food sector.
Quahogs are the most economically important fishery resource harvested from Narragansett Bay. More than 14 million quahogs were landed in 2021. Among all RI’s inshore and offshore marine fisheries, quahogs are the state’s fifth-most valuable, following squid, scallops, lobster, and summer flounder (based on 2021 ex-vessel values).
Consumers may visit www.seafoodri.com for a full list of participating restaurants and markets and the specials they are offering. DEM encourages restaurants and markets interested in participating to sign up on our website.
Participants in Quahog Week – consumers and retailers alike – are encouraged to share their experiences via social media posts: @RISeafoodRocks on Facebook, #QuahogWeek on Twitter, and @RI.Seafood on Instagram. The social sharing posts helps generate interest, which generates business for dealers and restaurants.
For more information on DEM programs and services, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@RhodeIslandDEM).
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