Shellfisherman protest, say low prices for clams causing hardship
(East Greenwich-AP) -- The docks were bare yesterday as the state�s shellfishermen stayed home.
They�re protesting the low prices they�re getting from dealers on their catch.
One of the strike organizers says there was almost 100 percent participation on the first day of the work stoppage.
The shellfishermen plan to stay away from the bay until at least Monday.
Shellfishermen say the price they�re getting for their clams is down 25 percent.
They say shellfish dealers used to buy littlenecks for 20 cents each, but now they�re only paying 15 cents.
But one dealer says the problem is one of supply and demand.
Robert Smith is the owner of Rhode Island Clam Company.
He says the recent good weather means the shellfishermen have been bringing in a lot of clams, just as demand has fallen off after Labor Day.
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