A soft-shell clam is also known as a steamer or a nannynose. Anglers of all skill levels must have a saltwater fishing license, regardless of whether they are using a rod, reel, or trap. Applicants must appear in person to fill out an application. The good news is that getting a license is easy and only costs $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Bring the best of Maine right to your front door. Renew New Fees Commercial Shellfish A $133 Comm. Do You Need A Permit To Go Clamming In Maine? | AnchorAndHopeSF For more information about the Lifetime License Program, please call (207) 287-8000. Towns may also require recreational licenses although the state does not require a license to harvest for personal consumption. Without a license, you could be fined up to $500. The Town of Harpswell, in conjunction with the Maine Department of Marine Resources, manages its intertidal shellfish resources under the Municipal Shellfish Management Program as described in M.R.S Title 12, §6671. When it comes to hard and soft-shell clams, East Coast foragers and seafood lovers turn to them the most. PDF Shellfish/Marine Worm/Green Crab/Aquaculture - maine.gov European Oysters are characterized by their rounder, flatter shell. Email us, Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Rulemaking Proposals Open to Public Comment, Opportunities for People with Disabilities, Resident Lifetime License Application (PDF), NonResident Lifetime License Application (PDF), Fish Stocking Permit for Private Ponds (PDF), Eel Taking Permit (American Eels only) (PDF), Lifetime License Application: Maine Resident (PDF), Lifetime License Application Nonresident (PDF), Complimentary Fishing and Hunting License Application (PDF), Serviceman Dependent (Resident) Combination. Surf clams are regulated by DMR and some coastal towns with a shellfish conservation ordinance. Non-resident commercial sales made up $4300.00 of the total. If youre going alone, you should consult with a local town office to determine whether or not you have to obtain a license. Clammers are the most effective at finding clams by looking for tell-tale holes in sand, mud, or clay left by them. Licenses run from July 1 through June 30 each year and are obtained from the Town Clerk. After youve discovered some clams, simply pry them open with a fork. Dealers reported buying a total of 9,492.096 pounds out of 9,619.29 available pounds with a reported value of $19,280,500 for an average price per pound of $2,031. Nicholas Upham is the Shellfish Warden. Applicants must present a copy of their application to the clerk in person. Today, the clamming industry is kept alive by the careful management of coastal Maine communities, including the seeding of clams to enhance wild stocks. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. If you find a baby clam, move it away. I love being a child again, up to the elbows and ankles in mud. Fees are not charged to people over the age of 70 or to children under the age of 13. Boothbay Shellfishing (towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Southport & Edgecomb), Click here for a license application (PDF), Click here to view a local shellfishing map (PDF), Bar Harbor Marine Resources Committee map. An additional $25 fee is charged for renewals of licenses obtained after January 31. After a few, gently place them in your bucket (or basket), top off with fresh water, and then return to the beach. The holder of a retail seafood license may obtain an enhanced retail certificate from the department. I witnessed all the Cutler traditions of the 4th, some of which included crate races, a parade (which I ended up riding in! See theShellfish Ordinancefor more details. In the Bold Coast region of Maine, contact Tours of Lubec and Cobscook for a family-friendly, touchable tour. by Harley Gutirrez | Dec 20, 2022 | Clams. A permanent clam/oyster license is available at no charge to all New Hampshire residents age 68 or older (at Fish and Game headquarters or Regional Offices 1, 2, and 4 only). This subsection does not authorize the person accompanying and assisting the licensee to assist that licensee with more than one fishing rod and reel. Be sure to check the tides and weather before heading out, as both can affect your success. Freeport, ME (obtained from agent who issued original). Commercial Licenses. Other species of shellfish do not require a license for recreational harvest. If youre looking to find clams, make sure you know where the tide is. A license is required if you want to harvest lobster or crab in Maine. Finally, you will need a license to dig clams. Licenses | Department of Marine Resources - Maine.gov License Requirements and Fees - Maine ** Maine resident permanently stationed outside the state of Maine. It also includes conservation closures determined by local clam co-management committees. TM 1996-2023 Mystic Media, Inc. & Visit New England. The cost is $230 for residents, $430 for non-residents, $55 for student residents, and $80 for student non-residents. Shellfish Licenses | Freeport ME Anchor & Hope SF was created with the goal of providing people with accurate and reliable information about seafood. Surf clams also known as hen clams are very large and fast growing clams which can grow to 8 inches or more and weigh over a pound. Bivalves can be consumed in a variety of ways and are extremely versatile. How to Go Clamming - The Maine Mag Clam diggers must also possess a valid Maine saltwater fishing license. Be aware of rules for clamming, including time limits (usually daytime only) and limits on catch size and the size of the animal. The shellfish conservation program for the town will be administered by the Shellfish Conservation Commission, consisting of five (5) members. Many towns require recreational licenses which can be obtained through the town office or municipal shellfish warden. A license is the property of the Town Clerk. Non-resident licenses are picked by lottery at a rate of one for every ten resident licenses sold. Although the town has a limited number of licenses available for purchase, the status of each license is always updated on the town website. A license is not only required to dig for clams, but also to possess them. Questions about this Service? Fees for licenses apply only to soft shell clams. Licenses prices are as follows: Commercial Resident $1,000. Possession of fishing tackle in the fields or forests or on the waters or ice of this State without a fishing license is prima facie evidence of fishing in violation of the law.The commissioner may allow a licensee who has received a complimentary fishing license (See General Fishing Laws and Definitions) to have a person accompany and assist that licensee in fishing. To learn more about how to experience digging and eating clams while on your visit to Downeast Maine (even if you want to skip the mud and just eat them at a restaurant! Soft shelled clams are regulated by DMR and coastal towns with a shellfish conservation ordinance. Shellfish over age 70 A $ 67 Shellfish license covers: Shellstock clams, quahogs other 1-inch hinge width minimum size. Clams can be dug to obtain them. Contact information for local town offices; Areas closed to shellfishing due to contamination C. is a member of a federally recognized tribe that does not require saltwater to be registered in the state. crossbow, archery, etc.). To apply for a Nonresident Commercial Shellfish License, download the Nonresident Commercial Shellfish License form here and return it to the town office. $8.00 Covers all authorities that you are qualified to receive, see below. It's a windy April day, but much warmer than the rest of the clamming season in Wells, which runs from November to late March or early April. What you need to know about Shellfish Licenses Spring Maine-New Hampshire Inshore Trawl Survey to Begin May 1st Fourth, you will need a pair of old clothes that you dont mind getting wet and dirty. Phone: 207-833-5822, Freeport Town Hall, 30 Main Street Town Clerk, 263 Mountain Road There are some requirements. TM 1996-2023 Mystic Media, Inc. & Visit New England. First, you will need a shovel. An electronic license or permit can now be displayed in lieu of a physical paper license or permit. Fees for licenses apply only to soft shell clams. A person who does not reside in Maine and wishes to fish for saltwater must have a valid saltwater fishing license from another state or a valid state permit. The commission's responsibilities include: Digging clams was his main income during good weather, along with raking blueberries. A person who resides outside of the country will purchase a non-resident license at the non-resident license fee. NH License Requirements | Licensing | New Hampshire Fish and Game Clamming / Shellfish License | Bar Harbor, ME - Official Website The shells of soft-shell clams are trapped beneath the surface. ), contact an area Chamber of Commerce Information Center. Residents pay $50, while those over 62 receive a free ride. Saltwater Fishing: A NH Recreational Saltwater Fishing License is required for individual anglers age 16 and older participating . Check the tides and find the best digs if you want to get involved. Shellfish Licenses The Town of Harpswell issues both commercial and recreational shellfish licenses to Harpswell residents and non-residents.Commercial Shellfish Licenses Commercial applications are required and must be submitted to the Town Clerk  by February 15th. My name is Maria Jimnez and I am the owner and creator of Anchor and Hopes SF, a seafood blog dedicated to providing recipes, information, and anything else related to seafood. The Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research & Education located on Beals Island, raises between three and five million seed clams annually for 60 Maine communities. Duplicate Clams have always been a staple resource to the people of the Downeast region. A seasonal permit costs $30 for Maine residents and $60 for non-residents. It can be difficult to dig razor clams in the sand as mollusks bury themselves in it. It is effective January through December of the year purchased. To learn more about clam digging past and present, check out the Downeast Fisheries Trail. Anchor & Hope SF was created with the goal of providing people with accurate and reliable information about seafood. Because clams prefer to live in sand, mud, and rocky areas, it is best to find them in bays and estuaries. Every year, the Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research raises between three and five million seed clams in 60 Maine communities. Call 207-380-5635 if you want to talk to someone. Licenses can also be obtained by completing and mailing in the application form (PDF). How can I obtain a shellfish license? | Freeport ME Anyone may obtain a 3 day recreational license. Town Hall, 93 Cottage Street Bar Harbor, ME Phone: 207-288-5571 A shellfish license is required to take shellfish from flats located in Bar Harbor. Who do I contact to register my vehicle in Bar Harbor? P.O. They are distinguished by their long thin shells. In the Damariscotta River, Sheepscot River, and New Meadows Lakes; there is a Vibrio Control Plan in place that closes recreational harvest from May 1st to October 31st each year. There are also 10 recreational licenses available to . Recreational limit is 1 peck per person daily. Make sure there are no bubbles or marks in the mud. A person must be at least 12 years old to purchase a license, and those under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Approved and Prohibited Freshwater Species, Lobster Fishing License and Trap Tag Counts, Maine Lobster Research, Education, and Development Board, Maine Lobster Limited Entry and Apprentice Program, Eligibility Criteria for Maine Students Who Want to Start Lobstering, Lobster and Other Trap/Pot Gear Modification Requirements, River Herring (Alewives and Blueback Herring), Maine DMR Online Licensing System Frequently Asked Questions, Maine Diver and Dive Tender License Safety Training Requirements, On-Line Harvester Catch & Landings Reporting, Maine Harvester Landing Reporting Form Examples, Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry (license), Tuna, Shark, and Other Large Species Information, Tips for Catch and Release of Striped Bass, Maine Saltwater Recreational Fishing Opportunities to Participate, Maine Saltwater Sport Fishing Tournaments for 2022, Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) Summary, Shellfish Closures and Aquaculture Leases Map, Maine Shellfish Dealer Certification and Inspection, Municipal Shellfish Conservation Warden Information, Phytoplankton Monitoring Form and Guides for Volunteers, Water Quality Monitoring Forms and Protocols, Maine Shellfish Dealer Sanitation and HACCP Guidelines Manual and Forms, Salmon Restoration and Conservation Program (ASRCP), "Experimental" (Limited Purpose) Lease Applications and Forms, Limited-Purpose Aquaculture (LPA) License Applications and Forms, Public Participation in Aquaculture Leasing, Atlantic Halibut Research Tags and Rewards, Maine - New Hampshire Inshore Trawl Survey, Data Dashboard, Reports, and Publications, Maine Coastal Program's Mapping Initiative, MCMI - Current Projects and Program Highlights, Habitat Restoration and Tools (Maine Stream Habitat Viewer), Job, Internship, and Volunteer Opportunities, Shellfish Sanitation and Management Forms, Business and Economic Development Resources. There also is a one-day recreational shellfishing license. Phone: 207-725-6658, City Clerk, City Hall, 205 Main Street Recreational licenses are required in many towns and can be obtained through their town office or by contacting their shellfish warden. Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Phone: (207) 287-8000 Shellfish under age 18A $ 67 Comm. Licenses are issued annually July 1 and are valid through June 30. Title 12, 6601: Commercial shellfish license Fees are waived for Bar Harbor residents under 16 and over 65 years old. _____ The deadline to file a letter of intent for a 2023-24 commercial shellfish harvester license has passed. Licenses, both commercial and recreational are valid from June 1st to May 31st each year. A. Clamming season will begin on December 11, 2022, Licenses will be sold at the Harbormasters shack between 7:00am-9:00am on Dec. 11, 2022, only to those who participate in the clean-up. Other names: quahog, round clam, cherrystones, littlenecks, Hard clams are a native species found in the sand and mud habitats of the intertidal and sheltered subtidal. They may be retained year-to-year as long as the holders submit their application/annual fee before the deadline and they have no violations and the required conservation credits have been completed.You must have conservation points to maintain your license.Harvesters are encouraged to remove predators while harvesting on the Freeport Flats. If you want to get a little more out of your clams, you can buy a variety of licenses. It is possible to transplant clams from an area with poor water quality to a better one. European oysters are not native to Maine and were first grown by aquaculturists, but later established wild populations. In Maine, towns regulate shellfishing permits and licenses. You are required to keep an electronic and/or paper copy of your fishing license with you while fishing or transporting fish, and if requested to do so, must present it for inspection to any warden, law enforcement officer, MDIFW employee, guide or landowner upon whose land you are fishing. Adult waved whelks are two to four inches in length and are found sub tidally. Shellfish Warden | Town of Stonington, Maine The area is overflowing with countless breathtaking views, is brimming with lighthouses, and delivers the feeling of an undisturbed connection with your surroundings. They are referred to by different names depending on their size. Fees: A non-refundable $10 annual application fee will be charged for all mooring permit applications. Grilling clams allows you to cook them until they open, by placing them on the grate and cooking for about 5 minutes. Free fishing days are February 18-19, 2023 and June 3-4, 2023. Why does the old owner's name appear on my tax bill. DBA Form (Doing Business As) The cost of a license varies depending on where you live; once you have one, you will be able to dig as many clams as you want for the day. Maine Department of Marine Resources Recreational fees are $12.00 (plus $5.00 water quality fee) for residents. The deep-sea red crab fishery of the New England Fishery Management Council is overseen by the Council. Many towns sell licenses for recreational and seasonal clamming and shellfishing. Other types of clams that can be found in Maine include the soft-shell clam, the razor clam, and the geoduck. Lobster license holders who purchased a license between November 15, 2021 and March 31, 2022, but ordered trap tags, or additional tags, after June 6, 2022, will be reimbursed for the tags during . Commercial licenses must be renewed each April. Overall Quota - 620. Shellfish Season: The State of Maine has opened the clam flats in Biddeford for year-round harvesting from June 1st to May 31st. The license allows the harvest of one peck of clams per day for personal use only. Shellfish Licenses will be sold Monday, November 1, 2022 in the Dunaway Community Center, 23 School Street at 8 am. Fees for licenses apply only to soft shell clams. However, the majority of digging takes place between April and September. For Freeport residents of 12 months or more & Freeport property owners- limited to 180 licenses. Student Licenses. Shellfish and Snail Identification and Recreational Limits - Maine License allocation: (68 Left) - Adult Resident- $15.00 The town also produces a small pamphlet with harvesting information and links to important information that is available here. At the age of 23, you must purchase a drivers license. On these days, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license. *** Nonresident 15-day fishing license may be exchanged for a nonresident season fishing license upon payment of $17 plus the agent's fee. These members are appointed by the Town Council for three-year terms. Top. Freeport Town Hall: 30 Main Street, Freeport, ME04032Phone: 207-865-4743 | Fax: 207-865-0929Office Hours: Monday through Thursday from 7:30am- 6:00pm, Purpose/Privacy PolicyGovernment Websites by CivicPlus. In addition, commercial harvesters need a Town of Bar Harbor Commercial Shellfish License to harvest soft-shelled clams. Online Licensing System (LEEDS) The Maine Department of Marine Resources' online licensing and landings system, called LEEDS (Licensing Enforcement and Environmental Data System) is now available. Application period opens up on the first business day in June; first come, first served. However, harvest can only occur at approved locations (see below) and are generally limited to daylight hours. After finding and digging your first few clams, youll notice that there are air holes all over the place. The Massachusetts Colonial Ordinance of 1641-1647 granted every household free fishing and fowling as far as the tide doth ebb and flow, and Maine retained this law when it became a state in 1820. Box 875. Maine is home to many different types of clams, making it a popular destination for recreational clamming. For additional information, please contact the Scarborough Town Clerk's Office (207) 730-4000 or complete our online contact form. ResidentRecreational$16.00 (includes $5.00 water quality fee), Non-ResidentRecreational$27.00 (includes $5.00 water quality fee), 3 DayRecreational$ 20.00 (includes $5.00 water quality fee). You should keep your distance because clams can territorially and violently strike out with their valves. Clam digging is a popular activity in Maine, and a permit is required in order to harvest clams. Exchange Students:Any citizen of a foreign nation under age 21 who is living with a family in Maine for a cultural or educational exchange program may purchase a resident license to hunt or fish. The number of available licenses is set annually; non-resident licenses are issued at a rate of one for every ten sold to residents, and the non-resident must get on a waiting list by applying in person at the Town Clerks office. Digging Clams in Downeast Maine - Where to dig, licenses Disabled Veterans:Maine resident and nonresident veterans (if reciprocal privileges exist in their home state) who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces or the National Guard and have a service-connected disability of 50% or more will be issued, upon application, a complimentary license to fish, trap, or hunt (including all necessary permits and other permissions, and upon meeting qualifications, a guide's license) as well as one expanded archery either sex permit and one expanded archery antlerless deer permit. Many towns require recreational licenses which can be obtained through the town office or municipal shellfish warden. Excavating License Online Form Excavating Permit Online Form Proof of insurance must be included with the application. It also includes one free chance in the moose lottery and entry into a special category in the antlerless deer permit lottery. 2 1/2 inch minimum size measured along the longest axis. Coin Operator License. Quick Links. Mailing address is PO Box 131, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860. Are clams legally extracted in Maine? Maine in Bloom: Experience a Variety of Maritime Gardens, Maines Maritime Museums: Troves of Treasures to Explore, Road Trip: Exploring Lighthouses in Maine. The Town of Harpswell issues annual recreational shellfish licenses to Harpswell residents and non-residents. Without a license, you could be fined up to $500. Hinge width is measured at the thickest part of the clam near where the shells are joined together. Licenses can also be obtained by completing and mailing in theapplication form (PDF). To measure them, youll need a rake (quahog), a basket, and a gauge. Shellfish conservation laws are enforced by the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) and coastal towns with shellfish conservation regulations. For Non-Residents - limited to 20 licenses per year. Clamming is an excellent way to get a taste of the tidal flow firsthand. PENOBSCOT. Shellfish - Town of Phippsburg Title 12, 6852: Retail seafood license - Maine Legislature It is possible to close fishing flats on occasion. Waldoboro Clammers Launch 'Upweller' to Boost Clam Numbers American oysters are regulated by DMR and some coastal towns with a shellfish conservation ordinance. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Clamming License | St. George , ME Make sure the top edges of the clams are sharp and that you grab them carefully (cutting paper from a cardboard box, rubbing liberally with salt). The Maine Department of Marine Resources has a process for licensing and permitting individuals to harvest clams. Mahogany quahogs are fished for by vessels with bottom drag gear and regulated by DMR and the National Marine Fisheries Service. There are55 recreational licenses available to Kennebunkport residents at a cost of $15.00 and 25 senior (over 65) resident licenses available at no charge. Commercial clam licenses and non-resident recreational licenses are issued through the St.George Town Office Phone (207) 372-6363 and Fax (207) 372-8954. Shellfish Conservation Mngmnt Common Periwinkles grow to 11/4 inches in length. shellfish - Harpswell, Maine It is a requirement in Maine for fishermen to have a license to harvest lobster and crab. People come to the city to search for mollusks and clams, which has made Clam digging a popular tourist activity. Phone: 207-571-0700, Town Hall, 93 Cottage Street These licenses can be obtained at Maine Bureau of Veterans Services Central Office located at (Camp Keyes) 194 Winthrop Street Augusta, ME 04333 or emailing mainebvs@maine.gov Their hours are 7:30am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday. Phone: 207-288-5571. It takes about three to four years for a clam to grow to legal size, which is two inches (2'). Check with your nearest Maine shellfishing township to find out when yours is open for clamming, as the dates change depending on the area. We ate a lot of clams in the 1970s, and they were also a lot more plentiful then. The Magazine. Native Americans:The commissioner shall issue a complimentary lifetime hunting, archery, trapping and fishing license, including permits and other permissions needed to hunt, trap and fish, to a person, who is an enrolled member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, or the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, if the person presents certification from the respective reservation governor or the Aroostook Micmac Council stating that they are an enrolled member of that federally recognized nation, band or tribe. Clam knives, which are specialized blades with rounded tips that slide into the narrow gaps between shells, are the most effective way to open them. The rakes teeth should not be more than one inch below the surface. If a one quart sample contains more than 220 periwinkles, they are considered undersize. Commercial Junior and Senior Resident $ 500 (under 16 years old or over than 65 years old) Commercial Junior and Senior Resident with Conservation $ 250. The American oyster is native to the east coast of North America. Municipal Shellfish Program - Harpswell, Maine Licenses are issued annually starting July 1 and are valid through June 30. You can then apply for a clamming license through the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Remaining Quota - 0.96. Commercial Non-Resident with Conservation $ 750. Commercial Non-Resident $1,500. They are effective July 1 through June 30. Short-term permits are valid for a specific period of time, and can be purchased for either 3 days or 7 days. Approved and Prohibited Freshwater Species, Lobster Fishing License and Trap Tag Counts, Maine Lobster Research, Education, and Development Board, Maine Lobster Limited Entry and Apprentice Program, Eligibility Criteria for Maine Students Who Want to Start Lobstering, Lobster and Other Trap/Pot Gear Modification Requirements, River Herring (Alewives and Blueback Herring), Maine DMR Online Licensing System Frequently Asked Questions, Maine Diver and Dive Tender License Safety Training Requirements, On-Line Harvester Catch & Landings Reporting, Maine Harvester Landing Reporting Form Examples, Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry (license), Tuna, Shark, and Other Large Species Information, Tips for Catch and Release of Striped Bass, Maine Saltwater Recreational Fishing Opportunities to Participate, Maine Saltwater Sport Fishing Tournaments for 2022, Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) Summary, Shellfish Closures and Aquaculture Leases Map, Maine Shellfish Dealer Certification and Inspection, Municipal Shellfish Conservation Warden Information, Phytoplankton Monitoring Form and Guides for Volunteers, Water Quality Monitoring Forms and Protocols, Maine Shellfish Dealer Sanitation and HACCP Guidelines Manual and Forms, Salmon Restoration and Conservation Program (ASRCP), "Experimental" (Limited Purpose) Lease Applications and Forms, Limited-Purpose Aquaculture (LPA) License Applications and Forms, Public Participation in Aquaculture Leasing, Atlantic Halibut Research Tags and Rewards, Maine - New Hampshire Inshore Trawl Survey, Data Dashboard, Reports, and Publications, Maine Coastal Program's Mapping Initiative, MCMI - Current Projects and Program Highlights, Habitat Restoration and Tools (Maine Stream Habitat Viewer), Job, Internship, and Volunteer Opportunities, ElectronicLandings Reporting Instructions, Landings Reporting Regulations (scroll down to Chapter 8), Maine Landings Data (for the most recent year), Historical Maine Landings Data (for the past 40-50 years), Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program, More Maine fisheries information by species, Business and Economic Development Resources.