Narragansett, RI – With the Rhode Island seafood industry facing a number of challenges in this tough economy, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse yesterday toured seafood businesses in Narragansett to hear about what they need to succeed and grow. Whitehouse visited several businesses near the port of Galilee, including the Town Dock, Local Catch, Ocean State Lobster, and Handrigan Seafood. Earlier in the day Whitehouse also visited Seafreeze in North Kingstown.
“Our local seafood retailers are a vital part of the Ocean State’s economy, supporting Rhode Island fishermen, attracting tourists, and supplying countless restaurants across the state with high-quality seafood,” said Whitehouse. “As I work to make sure federal policies are helping these industries, it was very helpful to hear directly from these Galilee business owners.”
In the Senate, Whitehouse is fighting for legislation to establish a National Endowment for the Oceans in order to protect and preserve the natural resources on which the fishing and seafood industries depend. The bipartisan legislation, which Whitehouse introduced in May along with Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME), would provide steady funding to universities, non-profit organizations, and government agencies to support ocean research and restoration projects.
In April this year the Obama Administration sent an economic development and assessment team to the Point Judith area. The team met with local leaders to help identify economic development challenges and opportunities for local industries and communities. Conclusions and recommendations that result from the team’s efforts will be made available to town managers and other State officials.
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