Gov. Chafee to Sign Calamari Bill in Narragansett

Gov. Lincoln Chafee on Friday afternoon was scheduled to sign a bill making calamari the official appetizer of Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Public Radio reported the signing will happen on Narragansett’s town dock.

"Squid is to Rhode Island what lobster is to Maine and cod is to Massachusetts," reads a bill declaring the designation.

The bill was introduced by State Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, who represents South Kingstown.

Below is text from the bill:

• Rhode Island is the east coast capital of squid, and accounts for more than 54 percent of squid landings in the Northeast
• Squid is to Rhode Island what lobster is to Maine and cod is to Massachusetts
• More pounds of squid are brought to store in Rhode Island than any other seafood
• Rhode Island has the largest squid-fishing fleet on the East Coast
• The fishing, hospitality and tourism industry is crucial to the economy of the state
• Rhode Island has some of the finest restaurants in the country
• The appetizer known as “Rhode Island style calamari” (squid) is prepared and served nationwide
• The legislature hereby declares it is in the best interest of the state and its local economy to officially recognize the importance of the squid fishing industry to our economy and the unique and delicious appetizer know as calamari