Roger Williams University Heads Reseeding Initiative to Strengthen Rhode Island’s Quahog Fisheries
RWU researchers and students partner with state and industry leaders to expand hatchery production, strengthen disease monitoring, and accelerate restoration of Rhode Island’s iconic quahog populations in Narragansett Bay.
BRISTOL, R.I. – Roger Williams University’s Center for Economic and Environmental Development (CEED) is guiding a research-driven initiative 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.
Funded through a Partnership for Research Excellence in Sustainable Seafood (PRESS) grant at the University of Rhode Island’s College of the Environment and Life Sciences and supported by NOAA, the initiative supports research that advances sustainable seafood. Through the program, CEED is studying wild quahog populations in partnership with the Rhode Island Shellfisherman’s Association (RISA).
“The aim of this work is to address commercial and recreational harvester concerns about the declining clam population in Narragansett Bay,” said Robert J. Holmberg, a Shellfish Aquaculture and Hatchery Specialist, and RWU Assistant Professor of Marine Biology and CEED’s Shellfish Aquaculture and Hatchery Specialist. “They’ve declined over decades due to several factors, but this project specifically focuses on understanding how disease and reproductive health impact quahog populations.”
Researchers are sampling quahogs from four diverse, high-value locations in and around Narragansett Bay. During the winter, clams are collected and divided into two groups. Half are brought to CEED’s Luther H. Blount Shellfish Hatchery to be conditioned as broodstock for seed production. The other half are sent to CEED’s Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) for testing of two major shellfish diseases: Quahog Parasite Unknown (QPX) and hemocytic neoplasia, a contagious clam disease similar to leukemia. Neither disease is harmful to humans, but both can weaken or kill clams, and are the focus of diagnostic testing for safely moving quahogs between biosecurity zones in Rhode Island and safeguarding quahog populations in the region. In the late spring, researchers will return to each site to assess reproductive health after the winter dormancy period.
After spawning at RWU’s hatchery, young quahogs are transferred to RISA’s floating upweller nursery system in Warwick, where they continue to grow under the guidance and regular maintenance by CEED’s FerryCliffe Shellfish Farm team. In the fall, once they reach an appropriate size, RWU will collaborate with RISA and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) to plant the clams in state waters for harvest and public benefit.
RWU plans to produce at least 100,000 young quahogs from each population to support restoration efforts. By selecting genetically diverse, disease-screened broodstock, the RWU CEED team aims to improve long-term reseeding success.
“The work supported by this collaboration will significantly benefit the state,” said Holmberg. “Quahogs are one of Rhode Island’s most valuable commercial fisheries, generating millions of dollars annually.”
“Recreational clamming is an important part of the state’s culture and coastal economy,” said Hatchery Technician Kimberly Soule. “By strengthening wild populations, the project supports local fishermen, protects working waterfronts, and helps stabilize a seafood industry that is vital to Rhode Island’s identity and economy.”
The initiative also highlights RWU’s commitment to experiential learning and bolstering Rhode Island’s Blue Economy workforce.
“Undergraduate students are involved in every stage of the process, from field collection and laboratory diagnostics to hatchery production and outplanting,” said Soule. “Through this hands-on experience, students gain practical skills while contributing to research that directly benefits the state.”
By bringing together research, community partnerships, and student learning, Roger Williams University is advancing solutions that support sustainable fisheries, strengthen the health of coastal communities, and build resilience in Narragansett Bay.