Roger Williams University Leading Quahog Fisheries Initiative

BRISTOL, RI — Roger Williams University’s Center for Economic and Environmental Development is leading an effort to strengthen Rhode Island’s quahog fisheries in Narragansett Bay.

"The project integrates aquaculture, disease testing, and hands-on student training to support wild shellfish populations and the state’s seafood economy," according to a media release.

See also: UK Delegation Visits University Of Rhode Island

The initiative is funded through a Partnership for Research Excellence in Sustainable Seafood grant at the University of Rhode Island’s College of the Environment and Life Sciences and supported by NOAA, according to the release, and supports research that advances sustainable seafood.

See also: 2 Rhode Island Universities Among Best In World, New List Says

"Through the program, CEED is studying wild quahog populations in partnership with the Rhode Island Shellfisherman’s Association," the release said.

See also: Here Are The Top Online College Programs In RI

“The aim of this work is to address commercial and recreational harvester concerns about the declining clam population in Narragansett Bay,” Robert J. Holmberg, a Shellfish Aquaculture and Hatchery Specialist, and RWU Assistant Professor of Marine Biology and CEED’s Shellfish Aquaculture and Hatchery Specialist, said in the release.

See also: University Of Rhode Island Graduate Awarded Fullbright Scholarship

“They’ve declined over decades due to several factors, but this project specifically focuses on understanding how disease and reproductive health impact quahog populations,” Holberg said.

See also: Brown University Rejects Trump's Invite To Join Federal Compact