Our Work
Sustainable Seafood
Media
Local Seafood Sources
Shellfish Intiative
About
Seafood is the cornerstone of the cultural and economic fabric of the Ocean State.
Through network building and collaboration, our fisheries and aquaculture specialists connect industry and consumers with the best available science to build vibrant local markets for Rhode Island fishery and aquaculture products through ecosystem-based management practices, as well as continue its commitment to provide training for safe seafood processing.
Mission
To build a vibrant local seafood economy that is safe and sustainable through effective, ecosystem-based management practices.
Focus Areas
FISHERIES
While up to 90% of seafood is currently imported into the U.S., Sea Grant works to support U.S. fisheries by connecting people with locally harvested bounty and by supporting those who provide it.
AQUACULTURE
Commercial aquaculture complements wild fisheries’ contribution to the seafood supply local, regionally, and nationally. Sea Grant works to ensure resources remain safe and sustainable and conflicts are managed effectively.
Safe seafood
Offer annual USDA-mandated training in the application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles to the safe processing of seafood.
Meet Our Team
Azure Cygler
Fisheries & Aquaculture Specialist
Tel: (401) 874-6197 | E-mail: acygler@uri.edu
Nicole Richard
Seafood Safety Specialist
Tel: (401) 874-2977 | E-mail: nicolerichard@uri.edu
Fishermen-Based Research Fleet for Quahog Management in Narragansett Bay
Quahogs are one of the most valuable fisheries in Narragansett Bay. To maintain the sustainability of this fishery, better sampling methods are needed for proper stock assessments. In recognition of this, Rhode Island Sea Grant worked with the Commercial Fisheries Foundation, the Department of Environmental Management, and Roger Williams University to develop a research fleet in cooperation with shellfishermen to determine a harvester-applied sampling methodology from which collected data would be used to enhance stock assessments.
The fleet includes five commercial shellfishermen using modern technology to collect environmental and biological data throughout the year, covering areas of the bay not currently surveyed. The goal is to build a more sustainable fishery through a collaborative approach involving shellfishermen, scientists, and resource managers to enhance coastal monitoring and future research.
Impacts
Fishing Sustainably
Fishers that adopted sustainable harvesting techniques.
Seafood safety
Professionals trained in Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) for Seafood Processing.
National Sea Grant Database
Impacts and accomplishments from all Sea Grant programs can be found in the National Sea Grant Office’s Database.
Users can search by state, year, and focus area.
An Oyster Farm Tour at Hog Island
Ways to Get Rhode Island Seafood
Fresh. Local. Sustainable. Rhode Island has some of the best seafood in the world!
We’ve put together some resources for buying and preparing local seafood, including videos on how to shuck oysters or dig your own clams.
Shellfish Initiative
The Rhode Island Shellfish Initiative was launched in Spring of 2017 in recognition of the importance of shellfish to Rhode Island and as part of the continuing efforts to support a strong local food economy.
Governor Gina M. Raimondo, along with many partners, launched the Rhode Island Shellfish Initiative. Through it, state agencies, industry, academia, and community partners will further efforts to sustainably manage local shellfish stock, promote economic growth and jobs, and celebrate Rhode Island’s unique food cultures. The Initiative consists of three focus areas and related actions:
- FOOD: Create, sustain and grow markets for RI shellfish
- JOBS: Retain and expand shellfish-related businesses
- MANAGEMENT: Prioritize sustainable practices and continued research
This Initiative builds on earlier efforts through the Rhode Island Shellfish Management Plan (SMP) to protect and enhance the state’s shellfish resources.
While tailored to unique needs and opportunities in Rhode Island, the Initiative is also part of a national effort to increase shellfish stock throughout U.S. coastal waters and reap the environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Shellfish Shorts
Rhode Island Sea Grant created a series of videos to highlight the state’s shellfish resource and economy.
Episode 1: How to Shuck
Episode 2: Digging for Dollars
Episode 3: Oyster Flavor
Episode 4: Enjoying Shellfish Safely
Episode 5: The Science of Shellfish Safety