Finally, you will need a license to dig clams. Without a license, you could be fined up to $500. 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. Click to download a Map of Maines Bold Coast: 2023 Experience Maritime Maine. PENOBSCOT. Recreational licenses are required in many towns and can be obtained through their town office or by contacting their shellfish warden. shellfish - Harpswell, Maine Cleansing of clams may only be done in open areas. Fees are waived for Bar Harbor residents under 16 and over 65 years old. To dig a trench, place your foot halfway between the high and low tide lines and place it 45 degrees away from the tide line. Applicants must appear in person to fill out an application. 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. Digging clams was his main income during good weather, along with raking blueberries. There will be no non-resident commercial licenses issued this year. I witnessed all the Cutler traditions of the 4th, some of which included crate races, a parade (which I ended up riding in! 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 . Recreational digging for shellfish in. Crystal Hitchings, Bold Coast Scenic Byway in the true Downeast Maine, from Milbridge to Eastport. The cost is $230 for residents, $430 for non-residents, $55 for student residents, and $80 for student non-residents. An electronic license or permit can now be displayed in lieu of a physical paper license or permit. Clam landings in Maine dropped dramatically in the 1980s, especially in Washington County. Shellfish Licenses | Freeport ME 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. 2 1/2 inch minimum size measured along the longest axis. I created this blog because of my love for seafood and my desire to share that love with others. There is a limit of ten gaper clams per person, but all dug clams must be kept until the limit is reached. Who do I contact if I want to dig on my property? For a one-time fee of $8.00, a senior lifetime license entitles the holder to all privileges they are qualified to receive including hunting, trapping, archery, and fishing. Recreational limit is 1 peck per person daily. Clam diggers must also possess a valid Maine saltwater fishing license. They naturally grow on oyster reefs but most of Maine's American oysters are grown on aquaculture lease sites. To dig clams, you will need a few things. There also is a one-day recreational shellfishing license. They live burrowed into the sand beneath the turbulent waves of the surf breaker zone. 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 . Bar Harbor, ME. Every day, the National Ocean Service publishes data on tidal currents. If you find a baby clam, move it away. Overall Quota - 620. In order to get a clamming license in Maine, you must first obtain a Maine saltwater fishing license. An additional $25 fee is charged for renewals of licenses obtained after January 31. If properly stored, oysters can grow to be 8 to 10 days old outside of the water, clams can grow to be 5 to 6 days old, and mussels can grow to be 2 to 3 days old. The good news is that getting a license is easy and only costs $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Shellfish Warden | Town of Stonington, Maine Waldoboro Clammers Launch 'Upweller' to Boost Clam Numbers Check all licenses requested and indicate whether it is a renewal or new license. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. There are two types of clamming permits available: a seasonal permit and a short-term permit. For more information on clamming, clam biology, clam management, and marine resources research in Bar Harbor go to the Marine Resources Committee page. C. is a member of a federally recognized tribe that does not require saltwater to be registered in the state. The common periwinkle is the most common intertidal snail. A shellfish license is required to take shellfish from flats located in Bar Harbor. 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! Person must meet all respective safety course requirements to hunt with individual methods (i.e. Fees listed do not include the agent fee. License fees are non-refundable. Clams can be found in many different parts of the state, so there is sure to be a spot near you to go and dig for clams. 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. The process includes completing an application, paying a fee, and passing a criminal background check. You can fish in Maine saltwater only if you have a valid saltwater fishing license or a valid saltwater fishing permit from your state. Bring the best of Maine right to your front door. clams must be allowed to breathe to survive, so they should be stored in a single layer, covered with a damp cloth, in the refrigerator (40 degrees Fahrenheit). The recreational harvest limit is 3 bushels per person daily. 3-inch minimum size measured along the longest axis. Town Clerk, 263 Mountain Road The ME-NH trawl survey provides valuable information for the management of important commercially . 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. In the Bold Coast region of Maine, contact Tours of Lubec and Cobscook for a family-friendly, touchable tour. B. lives in a state where saltwater registration requirements are less stringent than those in Maine. All rights reserved. A maximum of 10 gaper clams may be kept; however, dug clams regardless of size or condition must be kept until they reach the limit. A license is required if you want to harvest lobster or crab in Maine. Clam diggers must also possess a valid Maine saltwater fishing license. It also includes one free chance in the moose lottery and entry into a special category in the antlerless deer permit lottery. Note: Nonresidents who operate any motorized watercraft or aircraft equipped with pontoons on inland waters must display a Lake & River Protection Sticker in addition to a current boat registration sticker. Minimum Clam Size = 2 INCHES Maximum amount of clams per license per day: 1 PECK (1 peck = bushel = 2 gallons = 8 quarts. 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. Once established and growing, it stays permanently attached to the same site for the rest of its life. The most common type of clam found in Maine is the quahog, which can be found in both salt and freshwater. You will only damage them if you do not force them open. If youre looking to find clams, make sure you know where the tide is. Municipal Shellfish Program - Harpswell, Maine Without a license, you could be fined up to $500. Be sure to check the tides and weather before heading out, as both can affect your success. Their spouse and any dependent children residing with them are also entitled todiscounted rates. Every year, the Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research raises between three and five million seed clams in 60 Maine communities. Are clams legally extracted in Maine? If you want to get a little more out of your clams, you can buy a variety of licenses. Mahogany quahogs are small hard shelled clams that are harvested from Maine's subtidal waters. Many towns have a lot of it for visitors to try. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. Other species of shellfish do not require a license for recreational harvest. Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Mailing Address: (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. Licenses - Official Website of the Town of Yarmouth, Maine Every day, a recreational harvest limit of three bushels per person is imposed. They are effective July 1 through June 30. Maine clamming season is a great time to get out and enjoy the fresh seafood. Short-term permits are valid for a specific period of time, and can be purchased for either 3 days or 7 days. Clams shall not be sold. Call 207-380-5635 if you want to talk to someone. Shellfishing and clam digging in the mud flats of low tide can be fun for adults and kids. 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. Many towns sell licenses for recreational and seasonal clamming and shellfishing. 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 The good news is that getting a license is easy and only costs $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Brunswick, ME It can be difficult to dig razor clams in the sand as mollusks bury themselves in it. Veterans must still apply for any-deer & moose permits each year. Children age 12 or younger do not need a license to assist a recreational shellfish license holder. Anglers who do not live in Maine and use a rod, reel, or trap as bait must obtain a saltwater fishing permit. A shellfish license is required to take shellfish from flats located in Bar Harbor. Anyone may obtain a 3 day recreational license. The types of licenses, their costs, and the duration of the licenses are given in the application. Effective January 1, 2019, Alien licenses will no longer be available. Check the tides and find the best digs if you want to get involved. Town shellfish conservation ordinances may have more conservative minimum sizes or a maximum size limit. The purpose is to work towards eliminating predators that are destroying the soft shell clams. People come to the city to search for mollusks and clams, which has made Clam digging a popular tourist activity. The lobster license application must be mailed to the lobster license office no later than the 23rd of the following month. EEEEE, 15 (AMD).] Free fishing days are February 18-19, 2023 and June 3-4, 2023. For special offers and great New England travel tips subscribe today. The towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Southport & Edgecomb have a joint shellfish management plan. * 1-day fishing license may be exchanged by a Maine resident for a season fishing or combination hunting and fishing license upon payment of the difference between that fee and the fee for the season license, plus the agent's fee. My father used one of these, and a wooden slatted basket called a roller. Individuals 12 years or younger do not need a license to assist a recreational shellfish license holder in harvesting not more than one peck of shellfish in total per day. Razor clams are a native species primarily found in shallow subtidal flats close to the shoreline. According to Melvin, clams can produce in excess of 1 million seeds per clam, or a minimum of 19.2 billion potential clams per upweller. Clamming is a popular activity among tourists and locals alike, and can be done from the shore or from a boat. Today, the clamming industry is kept alive by the careful management of coastal Maine communities, including the seeding of clams to enhance wild stocks. The number of non-resident commercial licenses available is adjusted annually by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Its also a good way for the whole family to participate. Clams, in addition to being a simple meal, can be boiled, steamed, or grilled. In addition, commercial harvesters need a Town of Bar Harbor Commercial Shellfish License to harvest soft-shelled clams. Non-resident commercial sales made up $4300.00 of the total. Shellfish License | Ogunquit, ME (obtained from agent who issued original). There are 55 recreational licenses available to Kennebunkport residents at a cost of $15.00 and 25 senior (over 65) resident licenses available at no charge. 353 Water Street Fees are waived for Bar Harbor residents under 16 and over 65 years old. Clam digging can take place all year, but from April to September, the best time to dig is early summer. Residents pay $50, while those over 62 receive a free ride. In additional to visiting the landscape, I also got to experience the holiday with a bit more local intimacy. Anyone may obtain a 3 day recreational license. Commercial Non-Resident with Conservation $ 750. ), and fireworks. 41 State House Station But before you can start digging for clams, you need to obtain a license. The New England Fishery Management Council is in charge of the deep-sea red crab fishery. The commission's responsibilities include: Shellfish Licenses will be sold Monday, November 1, 2022 in the Dunaway Community Center, 23 School Street at 8 am. Adult waved whelks are two to four inches in length and are found sub tidally. 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. If you find a hole, dig it 6 to 8 inches deep so that you dont hit the clams with your hoe. Do I need a license to catch lobster in Maine? Shell heaps from native settlements are scattered along the coast, including at Machias, Passamaquoddy, Cobscook, and Frenchman Bays, and at Bar Harbor (in Wabanaki, the clam-gathering place). Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Phone: (207) 287-8000 However, the majority of digging takes place between April and September. Recreational limit is 1 peck per person daily. Quick Links. License Fees: $ 6.00 for spayed/neutered dogs $11.00 for unaltered dogs. How can I obtain a shellfish license? | Freeport ME But before you can start digging for clams, you need to obtain a license. The person accompanying and assisting the holder of a complimentary fishing license may do so without obtaining a separate fishing license. License Requirements and Fees - Maine 6. For more information about the Lifetime License Program, please call (207) 287-8000. Business Licenses & Permits. Knowledgeable chamber staff will help you discover your fresh-harvested seafood supper experience of a lifetime. The revenues generated by the sale of these licenses will be deposited in a special trust fund that will provide longterm financial support for Maine's fish and wildlife. Non-residents are charged $75, but seniors 62 and older are free. Town clerks or shellfish wardens can tell you the local rules. The rakes teeth should not be more than one inch below the surface. I brought a camera along and tried to capture a bit of the weekend and this is the result. Physical Address: The Downeast Institute offers guided tours of their shellfish nursery. Clamming / Shellfish License | Bar Harbor, ME - Official Website When a beach is overpopulated, small clams from another area are used to seed it. Phone: 207-288-5571. After you hear or feel the scraping of the shell, gently rake the sand about one inch below the surface. Please see below for a range of business activities and events where a license or permit may be required. At the age of 23, you must purchase a drivers license. Recreational Licenses . Licenses are issued annually July 1 and are valid through June 30. Ogunquit, ME 03907. Link to freshwater fishing information (Maine IF&W) Recreational lobster fishing license; A Guide to Lobstering in Maine (PDF, 24 pages) Recreational scallop fishing license; Municipal recreational shellfish license information - See town ordinances. Many towns require a recreational harvest license which can be obtained through the town office or municipal shellfish warden. Seasonal permits are valid for the entire clamming season, which runs from October 1st through April 30th. Shellfish may be harvested from the shores and flats of Kennebunkport on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only from April 15th thru February 15th with a limit of one peck per week. Dont want to go alone? After finding and digging your first few clams, youll notice that there are air holes all over the place. In addition to providing information, Anchor & Hope also provides delicious seafood recipes that are easy to follow. Video Description: I took a trip up to Cutler, Maine for this past years 4th of July weekend and frantically tried to swallow up as much of the atmosphere as possible. Many towns require a recreational license which can be obtained through the town office or municipal shellfish warden. 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. Commercial licenses cost $222-23.00. A permit is also required in order to dig for clams in Maine. 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. 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 European Oysters are characterized by their rounder, flatter shell. Residents pay $30; non-residents pay $10; on-residents pay $20; and one-day only licenses cost $15. Some argue that clams are the best seafood one can consume, but thats not the case. ), contact an area Chamber of Commerce Information Center. Second, you will need a bucket. License allocation: (68 Left) - Adult Resident- $15.00 A clam digging license in Maine can be obtained at the Department of Marine Resources. If you find clams on the beach, you can keep them as long as you have a permit. Year round licenses are valid from May 1st through April 30th of each year. Mahogany quahogs are fished for by vessels with bottom drag gear and regulated by DMR and the National Marine Fisheries Service. If the size is too small to go home with, bury it in the sand. Although the town has a limited number of licenses available for purchase, the status of each license is always updated on the town website. The blue mussel is a common native bivalve mollusk that lives from the intertidal zone to depths of several hundred feet and is found frequently clinging to the rocky shoreline. To find out what areas are open to harvesting, call the Shellfish Warden, Everett Leach, at 608-1163 because this information may change daily. Licensing events are held between June 1 and May 31 in the United States. 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. There is no permit required to dig for clams in Maine. 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. Phone: 207-833-5822, Freeport Town Hall, 30 Main Street The Application period re-opens for non-residents at the end of September. We want to help people learn more about seafood so that they can make informed decisions about what to eat. Licenses are issued annually July 1 and are valid through June 30. 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. They plan to place a peck of 2-inch clams, approximately 12.5 pounds, in each layer of each of the cages for a total of 12 bushels, or approximately 600 pounds. The license is valid for one year from the date of purchase and allows the holder to dig for clams during the open season. Other types of clams that can be found in Maine include the soft-shell clam, the razor clam, and the geoduck. In addition to providing information, Anchor & Hope also provides delicious seafood recipes that are easy to follow. The shellfish conservation program for the town will be administered by the Shellfish Conservation Commission, consisting of five (5) members. Shellfish License - Scarborough, Town of If you want to dig yourself, you can get a license by coming by the office on a weekday and well assist you. Shellfish Licenses | Brunswick, ME _____ The deadline to file a letter of intent for a 2023-24 commercial shellfish harvester license has passed. 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. 23 School Street. Clamming is permitted at some state parks in Maine, but with a permit. Clam digging is a popular sport on the East Coast. Ogunquit, Maine. Top. It is possible to transplant clams from an area with poor water quality to a better one. crossbow, archery, etc.). The license includes a dog training and hunting permit which must be obtained through the MDIFW Augusta office via phone, email, mail, or in-person. For additional information, please contact the Scarborough Town Clerk's Office (207) 730-4000 or complete our online contact form. Non-residents can sign up for the lottery starting March 15 in person at the Town Clerks office. They can also be found in other parts of the world, particularly on the Pacific Coast, in Alaska, Washington, California, and Western Europe. When Do You Need To File A 1099-MISC Form For Clam Shells. 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.