December 3, 2018 — While New Bedford gains its notoriety as the scallop capital of the world, Massachusetts is known for its clam chowder.
A New England Fisheries Management Council meeting in Newport scheduled for Tuesday could affect the latter.
An afternoon agenda item will discuss the possibility of closing an area in Nantucket Shoals, that the clam industry calls vital to its survival.
“If they close this down, it will be devastating to the whole industry,” Vice President of Operations for Nantucket Sound Seafood LLC Michael Costa said.
To prevent the action, the surf clam industry has rallied together and sought the legal services of former New Bedford mayor and attorney Scott Lang.
The coalition consists of Atlantic Capes, Seawatch International, Nantucket Sound Seafood, and Intershell Seafood International.