Legal sized steam clams or softshell
clams need to be at least 2
inches long on the shell to be of legal harvest size. The steamer's snout is
not part of this 2" measurement. Steamers less than 2 inches long must be
reburied where it was found so it can grow to live and spawn.
Quahogs, hard shell clams are measured differently, they need to be at least 1"inch
thick to be legal size. Undersized Littleneck Clams that fall through the gauge must be returned to the
waters immediately.
Shellfish officer double checking a catch. Clams, quahogs
and oysters should be measured prior to being placed into your basket. Kids really need to be supervised by the parents when the family is out clamming. This is an excellant opportunity for
parents to explain the difference between 'right and wrong'. It's,It's,It's! If it's seed,
(shorts) and it's in your basket, it's in your possession by law. Explain to them why we
must not take the baby clams called seed because they are needed to spawn and
replenish the population. When they ask what does that mean? Tell them a single quahog can produce 3,000,000 eggs each summer.
Recreational shellfishermen are allowed a maximum of ten
quarts of shellfish for the family per week. Check with the Natural Resources
Department at Saquatucket Harbor to determine which days of the week are open for
shellfishing and where. As warm weather approaches most estuaries popular for
shellfishing need to be closed because of increasing levels of fecal bacteria from
multiple sources.Not a good situation.
The shellfish officer will check for a valid
shellfishing license as well as appropriate shellfishing gear and measuring device. Shovels,
garden rakes and tools are prohibited. Please use an appropriate clam hoe or basket rake for
quahogs. While on the flats, straight line dig and smooth out your clam holes behind you as
you go.
Remember reread and familiarize yourself with
the regulations; wear appropriate clothing and hand protection; return seed to the water; fill your holes when done;
take only what you need don't be greedy, a ten quart pail is a lot of shellfish can go along
way; pick one day a week and choose an open day; be nice to the shellfish officer and don't
be afraid to ask questions. This is your resource, help protect it.
Back to Harwich Natural Resources Department Shellfish & Aquaculture Page
You are shellfisherman number to visit this site.
| Harwich Natural Resources Department Shellfish Officer Roster 1999 | |||||
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| NRO | Warden | Warden | Warden | NRO | |