There was no dissenting voice on the merits of naming calamari Rhode Island's official appetizer at a State House hearing, but there were lots of remarkable numbers on the importance of squid to the local economy.
Some 17.5 million pounds of annual squid landings valued at about $18 million makes squid the state's most valuable commercial fishery, said R.I. Department of Environmental Management assistant director Robert Ballou. There are currently about 125 vessels in commercial squid fishery.
He testified in support of the bill from Rep. Joseph McNamara, D-Cranston, Warwick, at a hearing before the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare, which McNamara chairs.
There is a big market for squid well beyond the state, said Christopher P. Lee, of North Kingstown-based Sea Fresh USA, which processes and sells it. In a market flooded with less-expensive imports, Lee has been able to market Point Judith squid across the country as if he were selling a fine wine.
There was no action on the bill at the hearing, but there were a number of "squid pro quo" puns.