Rhode Island House Bill H6326

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/9/25
• Refer: 5/9/25

Caption

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $2,300,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (DEM) TO TRANSPLANT QUAHOGS INTO NARRAGNSETT BAY AND ESTABLISH A SHELLFISH HATCHERY PROGRAM (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $2,300,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for the transplantation of quahogs and the establishment of a shellfish hatchery program.)

Impact

The bill is expected to have a positive impact on state laws concerning environmental conservation and resource management. The allocation of funds will facilitate the transplantation of quahogs into cleaner waters, thereby helping to restore their populations. Additionally, the establishment of a shellfish hatchery program aims to enhance local fishery sustainability by ensuring a steady supply of quahogs, thus potentially boosting both the ecological balance and the economic viability of the shellfish industry in Rhode Island.

Summary

House Bill H6326 proposes a joint resolution to allocate a total of $2,300,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to support efforts in the transplantation of quahogs and to establish a shellfish hatchery program. The bill emerges at a time when the quahog fishery in Rhode Island has been experiencing significant decline due to factors including climate change and pollution. By introducing funding for these initiatives, the government aims to reverse the downward trend in shellfish harvests which play a crucial role in the local ecosystem and economy.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked discussions regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of government interventions in marine life preservation. While proponents argue for its necessity to address the declining quahog population and strengthen the local fisheries, critics may express concerns about the allocation of significant funds that could be perceived as favoring certain industries over others. Furthermore, there may be debates surrounding the operational oversight of the hatchery program and the choice of non-profit entities to manage it, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in state-funded projects.