When it comes to hard and soft-shell clams, East Coast foragers and seafood lovers turn to them the most. Each person must obtain a license from the Town Office or Camping Area for harvesting of Softshell Clams, Hen/Surf Clams, and Quahogs. Largest Schooner ever built was launched on Dec.15, 1909. You should keep your distance because clams can territorially and violently strike out with their valves. At the age of 23, you must purchase a drivers license. Licenses can also be obtained by completing and mailing in the application form (PDF). The Spring ME-NH trawl survey conducted by the State of Maine, Department of Marine Resources is scheduled to begin May 1, 2023 in New Hampshire working east to Lubec. Anyone may obtain a 3 day recreational license. 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. Towns may restrict these quantities even further through their shellfish conservation ordinance. 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. This season for soft shell clams runs from May to October and is seasonal. Today, the clamming industry is kept alive by the careful management of coastal Maine communities, including the seeding of clams to enhance wild stocks. Pounds Reported - 619.04. Minimum size is determined by a numerical count. Towns may occasionally close shellfish beds for conservation of the resource or because of polluted waters. Towns may also require recreational licenses although the state does not require a license to harvest for personal consumption. Biddeford, ME Recreational fees are $12.00 (plus $5.00 water quality fee) for residents. Every day, the National Ocean Service publishes data on tidal currents. Anyone may obtain a 3 day recreational license. There are also size and volume limits for all shellfish can be found at this webpage: Commercial shellfish harvesters must have a valid State of Maine Commercial Shellfish License to do any commercial harvesting of shellfish. Town of Kennebunkport, PO Box 566, 6 Elm Street, Kennebunkport, ME 04046 PH: (207) 967-4243 FAX: (207) 967-8470Town Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Website Disclaimer | Government Websites by CivicPlus | Site Map, *LD 290 - Stabilization of Property Taxes - Application and Guidance*, **Short Term Rental - FAQS and THINGS TO REMEMBER, FEMA 2017: Preliminary Maps & Information, Local Property Tax Assistance Application, Local Property Tax Assistance Information, District 2 - Cape Porpoise & Wildes District, Cape Porpoise Pier Rules Adopted 11-13-2014, Complaints against employees of the Kennebunkport Police Department, Updated: Posted Roads - February 27, 2023until April 3, 2023, Kennebunk High School Accreditation Report, Trash & Recycling Pickup 2023 Printable Calendar. In addition to providing information, Anchor & Hope also provides delicious seafood recipes that are easy to follow. The annual permit fee for residents is $10; the application fee shall serve as the permit fee for residents if a resident mooring permit is granted. Licenses will be available for purchase at Town Hall beginning Monday, Dec. 12, 2022 B. The Application period re-opens for non-residents at the end of September. Phone: 207-367-5891 Cell: 207-266-4327 Email: [email protected] VHF: Channel 16 Red Tide Hotline: 1-800-232-4733 Related Documents: Shellfish Ordinance Clam License Application 2022 Other Resources: The Maine Shellfish Handbook Interactive DMR Shellfish Map In additional to visiting the landscape, I also got to experience the holiday with a bit more local intimacy. Soft shell clams are a native species that live in mud, sand and gravel intertidal areas. Contact information for local town offices; Areas closed to shellfishing due to contamination Do you have to have a license to catch crabs in Maine? In order to harvest clams in Maine, you need to obtain a license from the Department of Marine Resources. 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. Saltwater Fishing: A NH Recreational Saltwater Fishing License is required for individual anglers age 16 and older participating . A seasonal permit costs $30 for Maine residents and $60 for non-residents. Licenses run from July 1 through June 30 each year and are obtained from the Town Clerk. 2022 to 2023 Ogunquit Clamming Season. Other species of shellfish do not require a license for recreational harvest. Hinge width is measured at the thickest part of the clam near where the shells are joined together. The fishing is free for Shellfishers over the age of 70. 4-inch minimum size measured along the longest axis. They are distinguished by their long thin shells. Fourth, you will need a pair of old clothes that you dont mind getting wet and dirty. Join our email list to stay updated on all things Maine; food & drink, events & festivals, home & garden and much more. Application period opens up on the first business day in June; first come, first served. We want to help people learn more about seafood so that they can make informed decisions about what to eat. 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). Shellfish and Snail Identification and Recreational Limits Shellfish recreational limits: The one peck per day limit is for a combined total regardless of species harvested. After removing the top shell, you can use the knife to pry open the bottom half of the shell. Freeport, ME Please keep in mind that depending on how you want to participate or be safe, you may need to call the Shellfish Hotline or visit the town website for information on how to get in on the action. Or ask any local if they know someone who will take you! That being said, some of the best places for clam digging are along the coast of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Recreational Licenses . Clams, in addition to being a simple meal, can be boiled, steamed, or grilled. Many towns require recreational licenses which can be obtained through the town office or municipal shellfish warden. Applicants must present a copy of their application to the clerk in person. The Magazine. Military Currently Stationed in Maine:Anyone serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and permanently stationed at a military base in Maine (including spouse and dependent children if they permanently reside with that person) may purchase a resident license to hunt, trap, or fish. The entire town has such a charming, small-town personality. See each site for deadlines and documents. Fats, Oils & Grease in the Collection System, Organic Lawn and Garden Care Alternatives, Growth Map Modification Policy Final 02/2021, State Comments on 2030 Comp Plan Kennebunkport, Tree Removal, Maintenance and Planting Policy, Project Overview - Kennebunkport Crossroads, Village Parcel Final Report Appendix Only - 7/7/2020, Village Parcel Master Plan Visioning Session Questionnaire Results, Pending Zoning Board of Appeals Applications. Town Clerk, 263 Mountain Road 2 1/2 inch minimum size measured along the longest axis. 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. The more information we have regarding our fisheries, the better equipped we are to defend these resources and your livelihoods. There is a limit of ten gaper clams per person, but all dug clams must be kept until the limit is reached. (a) Limit: Ten of each species, except in the redwood Bay, is permitted; however, no more than 25 gaper clams may be taken or possessed. The holder of an enhanced retail certificate may, in the retail trade within the state limits, buy, sell, transport, ship or serve: A. Shellstock bought from a commercial shellfish license holder . A valid Visa or MasterCard only GET STARTED NOW: * Please note that if you are under the age of 18, you will be required to provide a valid driver license number of your parent or guardian. They naturally grow on oyster reefs but most of Maine's American oysters are grown on aquaculture lease sites. When a beach is overpopulated, small clams from another area are used to seed it. Phone: 207-865-4800, Brunswick Town Hall, 85 Union Street You simply need knowledge and a low-cost license to start working with them. Harvest season is year-round, peak is May through October. 83 Minna St, San Francisco, CA, United States, California, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Best Lights To Use For Razor Clamming At Night, Mussels: A Safe Delicacy During Breastfeeding, Both Of These Muscles Work Together To Create The Movement Of The Jaw, Why Do Fresh Water Clams Have White Spots, 5 Tips To Keep Your Pet Calm During A Severe Storm. Why does the old owner's name appear on my tax bill. On these days, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license. The American oyster is native to the east coast of North America. If you find clams on the beach, you can keep them as long as you have a permit. Remaining Quota - 0.96. Applicants must appear in person to fill out an application. For additional information, please contact the Scarborough Town Clerk's Office (207) 730-4000 or complete our online contact form. 41 State House Station The license is valid for one year from the date of purchase and allows the holder to dig for clams during the open season. It largely depends on the tides, the season, and the weather. Purchase a license during office hours at any of the four town halls and bring it with you when you arrive at the clerks office. License allocation: (68 Left) - Adult Resident- $15.00 I created this blog because of my love for seafood and my desire to share that love with others. Residents and nonresidents may obtain fishing licenses from agents throughout the State (sporting goods stores, many convenience stores, town clerks and turnpike service centers, online or from our Department office in Augusta. 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. by Harley Gutirrez | Nov 15, 2022 | Clams. For Freeport residents of 12 months or more & Freeport property owners- limited to 180 licenses. Yard Waste - How do I dispose of leaves, brush and grass clippings? Locals used to enjoy the festival as a seasonal pastime, but visitors to Los Angeles now enjoy it more than ever. Business Licenses & Permits. Towns may also require recreational licenses although the state does not require a license to harvest for personal consumption. Cleansing of clams may only be done in open areas. Free fishing days are February 18-19, 2023 and June 3-4, 2023. The license allows the harvest of one peck of clams per day for personal use only. Once established and growing, it stays permanently attached to the same site for the rest of its life. A saltwater fishing license from another state is only required for those who are not Maine residents and are fishing from a rod, reel, or trap. The fees for licenses and the enforcement of the shellfish ordinance for the Town of Bar Harbor only apply to the taking of soft shell clams (steamers),Mya arenaria. Residents pay $30; non-residents pay $10; on-residents pay $20; and one-day only licenses cost $15. Licenses, both commercial and recreational are valid from June 1st to May 31st each year. It can be difficult to dig razor clams in the sand as mollusks bury themselves in it. Pounds Reported - 619.04. My father used one of these, and a wooden slatted basket called a roller. Note: If you purchased a senior lifetime license before age 70, you do not have to pay the $8.00 fee, and the permits listed in the previous paragraph are included with your lifetime license anytime during the calendar year you turn 70 years of age. 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. Contact DMR at: (207) 624-6550 or Email: [email protected] If youre going alone, you should consult with a local town office to determine whether or not you have to obtain a license. More information is available at www.downeastinstitute.org, or by calling George Protopopescu at 207-497-5769. The recreational harvest limit is 1/2 bushel of whelks per person daily. Many towns require recreational licenses which can be obtained through the town office or municipal shellfish warden. Before you begin digging, loosen the sand with a long-handled shovel. Student Licenses. Who do I contact to register my vehicle in Bar Harbor? I witnessed all the Cutler traditions of the 4th, some of which included crate races, a parade (which I ended up riding in! 6. C. is a member of a federally recognized tribe that does not require saltwater to be registered in the state. After youve discovered some clams, simply pry them open with a fork. Licenses are issued annually July 1 and are valid through June 30. Excavating License Online Form Excavating Permit Online Form Proof of insurance must be included with the application. Recreational clams diggers are only allowed to catch one peck of clams per day. Fees: A non-refundable $10 annual application fee will be charged for all mooring permit applications. The Downeast Institute offers guided tours of their shellfish nursery. They have two rough, whitish, irregular shells. Recreational licenses are typically required in many towns, and they can be obtained in the town office or from the shellfish warden. I got to adventure around Cutler, Lubec, Machias, and Machiasport; witnessing what is famously know as the Bold Coast. Year round licenses are valid from May 1st through April 30th of each year. If youre looking for a different type of clam, the bay is a good place to start. The town also produces a small pamphlet with harvesting information and links to important information that is available here. Common Periwinkles grow to 11/4 inches in length. Recreational limit is 1 peck per person daily. A soft-shell clam is also known as a steamer or a nannynose. It is effective January through December of the year purchased. Physical Address: Clammers are the most effective at finding clams by looking for tell-tale holes in sand, mud, or clay left by them. All flats bordering the Wolfs Neck State Park are under the jurisdiction of the Freeport Shellfish Conservation Ordinance. A $30 fee applies for a one-year license, or $10 for a one-day license. The lobster license application must be mailed to the lobster license office no later than the 23rd of the following month. 23 School Street. Licenses prices are as follows: Commercial Resident $1,000. 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. Because a giant clam can live for more than 100 years, you should consider putting one in a warm, safe place. Maine is home to some of the best clamming spots in the country. A license is required if you want to harvest lobster or crab in Maine. Mailing address is PO Box 131, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860. Shellfishing flats may be closed from time to time. Clams shall not be sold. 2023 Parking Information (Fees, Hours, Interactive Map) Parking Passes. Every day, a recreational harvest limit of three bushels per person is imposed. Renew New Fees Commercial Shellfish A $133 Comm. Anglers of all skill levels must have a saltwater fishing license, regardless of whether they are using a rod, reel, or trap. The license also includes the following: bear hunt, bear trap, migratory waterfowl, pheasant, spring and fall turkey, coyote night hunt, crossbow, muzzleloader, one expanded archery antlerless deer permit, and one expanded archery either-sex permit (allows either an antlered or antlerless deer but not both). Overall Quota - 620. After a few minutes on a falling tide, youll have a delicious meal. Call 207-380-5635 if you want to talk to someone. Licenses can be obtained online through the DMR website or at any Maine license agent. A valid Maine fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older, to fish in inland waters or transport fish taken from inland waters. The types of licenses, their costs, and the duration of the licenses are given in the application. This subsection does not authorize the person accompanying and assisting the licensee to assist that licensee with more than one fishing rod and reel. Maine Lobster Boat Racing: Be a Spectator! Overall Quota - 620. Phone: 207-288-5571. The bottom should be scraped as soon as you use the rake. A quarter-pound of Maines most famous bivalve can be purchased for $1, or approximately 12 pounds of pecks of clams. Report lost or found dogs to Yarmouth Police Department at 846-3333. A shellfish license is required to take shellfish from flats located in Bar Harbor. 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. The commission's responsibilities include: 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. The most common type of clam found in Maine is the quahog, which can be found in both salt and freshwater. Maine clamming season is a great time to get out and enjoy the fresh seafood. However, the majority of digging takes place between April and September. Seasonal permits are valid for the entire clamming season, which runs from October 1st through April 30th. Towns may restrict these quantities even further through their shellfish conservation ordinance. Clam landings in Maine dropped dramatically in the 1980s, especially in Washington County. Because clams prefer to live in sand, mud, and rocky areas, it is best to find them in bays and estuaries. Flat Opening/Closings The open clamming areas in Bar Harbor are described and mapped on the following documents provided by the Maine Department of Marine Resources: Closure Document for Area EI Closure Map for Area EI Closure Document for Area EG Closure Map for Area EG Maine Resident Military Currently Stationed Anywhere:Residents who are on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and permanently stationed outside of Maine may purchase either a hunting, fishing, trapping, or combination hunting and fishing license for the Maine Resident Serviceman combination price upon verification that Maine is their home of record and that they are permanently stationed outside of Maine. For example, there is a license required for those wishing to harvest soft-shell clams, but not for those wishing to harvest hard-shell clams. Clamming is a vital part of Maines economy, and careful management of coastal communities is essential to the industrys survival, including the seeding of clams to improve wild stocks. Licenses are available in the Town Clerk's office 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday or by mail with a completed Shellfish License Application. A person who resides outside of the country will purchase a non-resident license at the non-resident license fee. Myaaria, or soft shell clams, are commonly referred to as piss clams or steamer clams because they squirt water when you wander too close to their holes. Other names: bar clam, hen clam, skimmer, sea clam. You can fish in Maine saltwater only if you have a valid saltwater fishing license or a valid saltwater fishing permit from your state. Liquor Licenses are required for any establishment wishing to serve alcohol. Day passes are also available in the Town Clerk's Office. Today, the clamming industry is kept alive by the careful management of coastal Maine communities, including the seeding of clams to enhance wild stocks. Clam diggers must also possess a valid Maine saltwater fishing license. Clams have always been a staple resource to the people of the Downeast region. Do I need a license to catch lobster in Maine? 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. To learn more about clam digging past and present, check out the Downeast Fisheries Trail. Fees are not charged to people over the age of 70 or to children under the age of 13. Children age 12 or younger do not need a license to assist a recreational shellfish license holder. Under the Municipal Shellfish Management Program, the Town has maintained the authority to place limits on the amount of licenses issued, the opening and closing of mud flats . For special offers and great New England travel tips subscribe today. In addition, the Shellfish Conservation Warden shall serve as an ex-officio member. Adult waved whelks are two to four inches in length and are found sub tidally. Clam digging is a popular activity in Maine, and a permit is required in order to harvest clams. Many towns require a recreational license which can be obtained through the town office or municipal shellfish warden. Many towns have a lot of it for visitors to try. Minimum Clam Size = 2 INCHES Maximum amount of clams per license per day: 1 PECK (1 peck = bushel = 2 gallons = 8 quarts. After finding and digging your first few clams, youll notice that there are air holes all over the place. 1-inch hinge width minimum size. Non-residents are charged $75, but seniors 62 and older are free. EEEEE, 15 (AMD).] This license, available to Maine residents only, permits an eligible person to hunt and fish for all legal game and fish species, subject to all of the laws governing fishing, hunting, and archery. The shells of soft-shell clams are trapped beneath the surface. But before you can start digging for clams, you need to obtain a license. Clam landings drastically declined across Maine in the 1980s, especially in Washington County. If you are going alone, check with a local town office regarding licensing requirements and for the best places to dig. Many towns require recreational licenses which can be obtained through the town office or municipal shellfish warden. Make sure there are no bubbles or marks in the mud. Fees are waived for Bar Harbor residents under 16 and over 65 years old. A permit is also required in order to dig for clams in Maine. by Harley Gutirrez | Dec 20, 2022 | Clams. Remaining Quota - 0.96. Harpswell, ME The person accompanying and assisting the licensee must remain within the imme-diate proximity of the licensee while that licensee is fishing. 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. For more information on clamming, clam biology, clam management, and marine resources research in Bar Harbor go to the Marine Resources Committee page. Residents pay $11 for recreation and nonresidents pay $22; only $15 for limited use. Despite the fact that their populations have declined over the last few decades, diggers can still find enough clams to feed a large crowd at most Southern California beaches. Be aware of rules for clamming, including time limits (usually daytime only) and limits on catch size and the size of the animal. Mahogany quahogs are fished for by vessels with bottom drag gear and regulated by DMR and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Recreational limit is 2 bushels per person daily. *** Nonresident 15-day fishing license may be exchanged for a nonresident season fishing license upon payment of $17 plus the agent's fee. TM 1996-2023 Mystic Media, Inc. & Visit New England. The person accompanying and assisting the holder of a complimentary fishing license may do so without obtaining a separate fishing license. Knowledgeable chamber staff will help you discover your fresh-harvested seafood supper experience of a lifetime. The application fee is due at the time of permit application. If youre looking to find clams, make sure you know where the tide is. Bivalves are commonly found in the ocean, including the quahog (a type of clam), the boston bream (a type of fish), and the johnnycake (a type of lobster). 3-inch minimum size measured along the longest axis. If you are in doubt as to the status of a particular shellfish harvesting area or cannot access the DMR online map, contact the Harbormaster at 207-288-5571, Town Clerk, or Maine DMR. DMR License Renewal and Application FAQ; Maine DMR Online Licensing System Frequently Asked Questions; Maine Diver and Dive Tender License Safety . In order to get a clamming license in Maine, you must first obtain a Maine saltwater fishing license. 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. In addition, commercial harvesters need a Town of Bar Harbor Commercial Shellfish License to harvest soft-shelled clams.