In Rhode Island, a hunt is on for the reason for dropping numbers of the signature quahog clam

By STEVE LeBLANC
Associated Press

Scientists, lawmakers and those who make their living from Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay are teaming up to hunt for the reason why quahogs appear to be on the decline. On Tuesday a special commission held a hearing to study the reduced catch. The panel is looking at a range of possible factors from oxygen deficiency to changing aquatic life and climate change. An official with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said more than 1,000 people used to harvest quahogs decades ago. That number is down to 150 to 200 people today.