This bill establishes an East Coast Bivalve Research Task Force to investigate declining harvests of shellfish species, particularly hard clams (quahogs), and develop coordinated strategies to support sustainable fishing and aquaculture operations. The Secretary of Commerce must convene the task force within 90 days, appointing 16 to 21 members including representatives from federal agencies (NOAA, EPA, USDA), three regional fishery management councils, state fish and wildlife agencies, Native American tribes, industry representatives, and academic experts. The task force will review existing bivalve research, identify knowledge gaps, and assess impacts of climate change, disease, water quality, and other threats to East Coast shellfish populations, with particular focus on quahogs in Rhode Island and beyond. Within two years, the task force must submit a comprehensive report with research recommendations to Congress and the public, along with an interim progress report after one year. The bill authorizes unspecified funding for administrative support and travel expenses but does not require compensation for task force members.
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