*** Nonresident 15-day fishing license may be exchanged for a nonresident season fishing license upon payment of $17 plus the agent's fee. Waved whelks are medium sized with both axial and spiral ridges on their shell. I brought a camera along and tried to capture a bit of the weekend and this is the result. A license is required if you want to harvest lobster or crab in Maine. 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. 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. It is possible to close fishing flats on occasion. The soft shell clams can be found on the East Coast from Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Freeport, ME Person must meet all respective safety course requirements to hunt with individual methods (i.e. There are numerous breathtaking views and lighthouses to be found along the Bold Coast region of Maine. If youre looking for a different type of clam, the bay is a good place to start. To learn more about clam digging past and present, check out the Downeast Fisheries Trail. 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). A 3-day permit costs $15 for Maine residents and $30 for non-residents, while a 7-day permit costs $30 for Maine residents and $60 for non-residents. The process includes completing an application, paying a fee, and passing a criminal background check. Please see below for a range of business activities and events where a license or permit may be required. That being said, some of the best places for clam digging are along the coast of Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Many towns sell licenses for recreational and seasonal clamming and shellfishing. Maine is home to some of the best clamming spots in the country. In Maine, towns regulate shellfishing permits and licenses. Do I need a license to catch lobster in Maine? Town Hall, 93 Cottage Street. At the age of 23, you must purchase a drivers license. 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. Overall Quota - 620. The oysters in Maine are prized for their flavor and quality. Phone: 207-865-4800, Brunswick Town Hall, 85 Union Street 2-A. Join our email list to stay updated on all things Maine; food & drink, events & festivals, home & garden and much more. Third, you will need a pair of gloves. There is a limit of ten gaper clams per person, but all dug clams must be kept until the limit is reached. Licenses prices are as follows: Commercial Resident $1,000. There is also a seasonal closure statewide from June 15th to September 15th. Check with your nearest Maine shellfishing township to find out when yours is open for clamming, as the dates change depending on the area. A license is not only required to dig for clams, but also to possess them. You should contact your local community to find out when the best time to dig is. Because clams prefer to live in sand, mud, and rocky areas, it is best to find them in bays and estuaries. DBA Form (Doing Business As) It is unlawful to dig or take soft-shelled clams from flats located in Bar Harbor without a shellfish license issued by the town. In some coastal towns, shellfish conservation laws are enforced by the DMR, and the department regulates surf clams. Physical Address: Clams, in addition to being a simple meal, can be boiled, steamed, or grilled. Remaining Quota - 0.96. Theres a good chance youll catch a clam-digging dog or a human who does. You make new friends, dig for treasure, and experience the excitement of catching a catch. To dig clams, you will need a few things. Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Mailing Address: Top. The license is valid for one year from the date of purchase and allows the holder to dig for clams during the open season. Coin Operator License. There are also 10 recreational licenses available to . However, harvest can only occur at approved locations (see below) and are generally limited to daylight hours. Recreational limit is 2 bushels per person daily. Bar Harbor, ME License fees for recreational licenses are waived for Bar Harbor residents under 18 and over 65 years of age. The Maine Shellfish Sanitation Hotline number is 800-232-4733. Student Licenses. Bring the best of Maine right to your front door. All rights reserved. The recreational harvest limit is 2 quarts per person daily. European oysters are regulated by DMR and some coastal towns with a shellfish conservation ordinance. Bar Harbor Shellfishing & Clamming. Maine clamming season is a great time to get out and enjoy the fresh seafood. It largely depends on the tides, the season, and the weather. A 3-day permit costs $15 for Maine residents and $30 for non-residents, while a 7-day permit costs $30 for Maine residents and $60 for non-residents. 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. A recreational shellfish license holder will not need to issue a license to a child under the age of 12. A. is a resident of the state where saltwater registration is not required. Other names: bar clam, hen clam, skimmer, sea clam. I created this blog because of my love for seafood and my desire to share that love with others. Anchor & Hope SF was created with the goal of providing people with accurate and reliable information about seafood. We want to help people learn more about seafood so that they can make informed decisions about what to eat. If you are going alone, check with a local town office regarding licensing requirements and for the best places to dig. Every year, the Downeast Institute for Applied Marine Research raises between three and five million seed clams in 60 Maine communities. A quarter-pound of Maines most famous bivalve can be purchased for $1, or approximately 12 pounds of pecks of clams. They have two rough, whitish, irregular 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. Cleansing of clams may only be done in open areas. They can also be found in other parts of the world, particularly on the Pacific Coast, in Alaska, Washington, California, and Western Europe. The recreational harvest limit is 3 bushels per person daily. Or ask any local if they know someone who will take you! Fees for licenses apply only to soft shell clams. For additional information, please contact the Scarborough Town Clerk's Office (207) 730-4000 or complete our online contact form. 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. Oyster licenses are required for all ages. Click to download a Map of Maines Bold Coast: 2023 Experience Maritime Maine. I witnessed all the Cutler traditions of the 4th, some of which included crate races, a parade (which I ended up riding in! A license is the property of the Town Clerk. You can then apply for a clamming license through the Maine Department of Marine Resources. Towns may occasionally close shellfish beds for conservation of the resource or because of polluted waters. Licenses, both commercial and recreational are valid from June 1st to May 31st each year. In addition to providing information, Anchor & Hope also provides delicious seafood recipes that are easy to follow. 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. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. Towns may also require recreational licenses although the state does not require a license to harvest for personal consumption. Town shellfish conservation ordinances may have more conservative minimum sizes or a maximum size limit. 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 recreational licenses which can be obtained through the town office or municipal shellfish warden. Mahogany quahogs are small hard shelled clams that are harvested from Maine's subtidal waters. The recreational harvest limit is 1/2 bushel of whelks per person daily. 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 purpose is to work towards eliminating predators that are destroying the soft shell clams. Most people wear rubber gloves and boots and dig clams with a 4-tined rake called a hoe. Maine in Bloom: Experience a Variety of Maritime Gardens, Maines Maritime Museums: Troves of Treasures to Explore, Road Trip: Exploring Lighthouses in Maine. When it comes to hard and soft-shell clams, East Coast foragers and seafood lovers turn to them the most. Phone: 207-288-5571. Mailing address is PO Box 131, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860. Overall Quota - 620. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. 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 . Shellfish licenses will become available from the Town Clerk's office on April 7th, and are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis. The license is good for one year period beginning the first Monday in April. EEEEE, 15 (AMD).] The town also produces a small pamphlet with harvesting information and links to important information that is available here. In addition, commercial harvesters need a Town of Bar Harbor Commercial Shellfish License to harvest soft-shelled clams. More information is available at www.downeastinstitute.org, or by calling George Protopopescu at 207-497-5769. 2-inch minimum size measured along the longest axis. Fees are waived for Bar Harbor residents under 16 and over 65 years old. If the water is lower than usual and the clams are digging deeper, a minus tide is a good bet. Its also a good way for the whole family to participate. It takes about three to four years for a clam to grow to legal size, which is two inches (2'). Clam digging is a popular sport on the East Coast. Soft shelled clams are regulated by DMR and coastal towns with a shellfish conservation ordinance. Some argue that clams are the best seafood one can consume, but thats not the case. Licenses expires on May 31 next following the date of issuance. Most fishermen can take a bushel or two a day, depending on where they live. 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. 6. Recreational fees are $12.00 (plus $5.00 water quality fee) for residents. Second, you will need a bucket. $8.00 Covers all authorities that you are qualified to receive, see below. 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. Pounds Reported - 619.04. The area is overflowing with countless breathtaking views, is brimming with lighthouses, and delivers the feeling of an undisturbed connection with your surroundings. Town Clerk, 263 Mountain Road Razor clams are a native species primarily found in shallow subtidal flats close to the shoreline. Biddeford, ME The Super Pack License includes muzzleloader, crossbow, migratory waterfowl, pheasant, spring/fall turkey, bear hunting, coyote night hunt, and three expanded archery antlerless permits. 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 $30; non-residents pay $10; on-residents pay $20; and one-day only licenses cost $15. 3-inch minimum size measured along the longest axis. Bivalves have two strong muscles that hold the halves of their shells closed together by their abductors. And operating outside this, many Maine state parks, such as Reid State Park in Georgetown and Wolfe's Neck State Park in Freeport, permit recreational clamming without a license with park . by Harley Gutirrez | Nov 15, 2022 | Clams. In the order of largest to smallest, these clams are called: quahogs (chowderhogs), cherrystones, topnecks, littlenecks, and countnecks. After a few, gently place them in your bucket (or basket), top off with fresh water, and then return to the beach. Harvest season is year-round, peak is May through October. A permit is also required in order to dig for clams in Maine. The Maine Department of Marine Resources has an online interactive map with all of the shellfish closures listed as a layer in the map. 1-inch hinge width minimum size. 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 . A non-resident between 18 and 24 enrolled full-time in a college in Maine may be eligible for a resident rate license for fishing, hunting, & trapping. 353 Water Street 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. Shellfishing and clam digging in the mud flats of low tide can be fun for adults and kids. Licenses are valid from April 1 to March 31. Clamming is permitted at some state parks in Maine, but with a permit. Many towns have a lot of it for visitors to try. Clams shall not be sold. Maine. If camping or renting a summer cottage your license becomes invalid once you are no longer camping or renting in Town. Clamming is an excellent way to get a taste of the tidal flow firsthand. If you find a hole, dig it 6 to 8 inches deep so that you dont hit the clams with your hoe. 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 41 State House Station Are clams legally extracted in Maine? Bivalves can be consumed in a variety of ways and are extremely versatile. Anchor & Hope SF was created with the goal of providing people with accurate and reliable information about seafood. 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. Bar Harbor, ME. 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. After you hear or feel the scraping of the shell, gently rake the sand about one inch below the surface. The application fee is due at the time of permit application. Clams for supper! Residents pay $11 for recreation and nonresidents pay $22; only $15 for limited use. Licenses can be obtained online through the DMR website or at any Maine license agent. 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. Licenses will be available for purchase at Town Hall beginning Monday, Dec. 12, 2022 B. 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. The best time for clam picking is in the early summer, just before spawning in July-August. Remaining Quota - 0.96. PENOBSCOT. License fees are non-refundable. Commercial Licenses. Veterans must still apply for any-deer & moose permits each year. According to the spokesman, the goal of this initiative is to prevent contaminated shellfish from ever entering the market. The fee for a commercial shellfish license for applicants 70 years of age or older and applicants under 18 years of age is $67, which must be deposited in the Shellfish Fund established under section 6651 . Licensing events are held between June 1 and May 31 in the United States. Renew New Fees Commercial Shellfish A $133 Comm. Non-resident licenses are picked by lottery at a rate of one for every ten resident licenses sold. The Maine Department of Marine Resources has a process for licensing and permitting individuals to harvest clams. 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. If the size is too small to go home with, bury it in the sand. Commercial Resident with Conservation $ 500. 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. The entire town has such a charming, small-town personality. Minimum Clam Size = 2 INCHES Maximum amount of clams per license per day: 1 PECK (1 peck = bushel = 2 gallons = 8 quarts. Licenses can also be obtained by completing and mailing in the application form (PDF). 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. Home Fishing & Boating Fishing Laws & Rules License Requirements and Fees. Box 875. Licenses are issued annually July 1 and are valid through June 30. Fees for licenses apply only to soft shell clams. See theShellfish Ordinancefor more details. The most common type of clam found in Maine is the quahog, which can be found in both salt and freshwater. Commercial licenses must be renewed each April. Maine Lobster Boat Racing: Be a Spectator! - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. After finding and digging your first few clams, youll notice that there are air holes all over the place. ), and fireworks. 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. Fax: (207) 287-8094 or (207) 287-6395 Many towns require recreational licenses which can be obtained through the town office or municipal shellfish warden. Fees: A non-refundable $10 annual application fee will be charged for all mooring permit applications. After youve discovered some clams, simply pry them open with a fork. For more information about the Lifetime License Program, please call (207) 287-8000. An additional $25 fee is charged for renewals of licenses obtained after January 31. The types of licenses, their costs, and the duration of the licenses are given in the application. 2019-20 Maine Scallop Season Overview; 2020-21 Maine Scallop Season Overview; 2021-22 Maine Scallop Season Overview; Sea Cucumbers; Sea Urchins; Shrimp (Northern) Worms (Marine) Whelks; Licenses. Other types of clams that can be found in Maine include the soft-shell clam, the razor clam, and the geoduck. 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). There are some requirements. All flats bordering the Wolfs Neck State Park are under the jurisdiction of the Freeport Shellfish Conservation Ordinance. 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. Quick Links. Recreational licenses are typically required in many towns, and they can be obtained in the town office or from the shellfish warden. 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. 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. Theres no denying that clams are popular in Maine. 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. Pounds Reported - 619.04. The cost is $230 for residents, $430 for non-residents, $55 for student residents, and $80 for student non-residents. 2023 Parking Information (Fees, Hours, Interactive Map) Parking Passes. Check all licenses requested and indicate whether it is a renewal or new license. 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. Pass on a Maine tradition and a gift that will last a lifetime. To measure them, youll need a rake (quahog), a basket, and a gauge. They naturally grow on oyster reefs but most of Maine's American oysters are grown on aquaculture lease sites. 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. It also includes conservation closures determined by local clam co-management committees. 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. 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. Liquor Licenses are required for any establishment wishing to serve alcohol. Call 207-380-5635 if you want to talk to someone. Ogunquit, ME 03907. The Town of Harpswell issues annual recreational shellfish licenses to Harpswell residents and non-residents. 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. Clammers are the most effective at finding clams by looking for tell-tale holes in sand, mud, or clay left by them. C. is a member of a federally recognized tribe that does not require saltwater to be registered in the state. The Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) issues clam digging permits. The holder of a retail seafood license may obtain an enhanced retail certificate from the department. There are numerous fresh water areas along the coast and around the world where mollusks can thrive. The license allows the harvest of one peck of clams per day for personal use only. Augusta, ME 04333-0041, Phone: (207) 287-8000 Clam landings drastically declined across Maine in the 1980s, especially in Washington County. 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. You should keep your distance because clams can territorially and violently strike out with their valves. Applicants must appear in person to fill out an application. Be aware of rules for clamming, including time limits (usually daytime only) and limits on catch size and the size of the animal. Harpswell, ME 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. A soft-shell clam is also known as a steamer or a nannynose. In order to harvest clams in Maine, you need to obtain a license from the Department of Marine Resources. Towns may also require recreational licenses although the state does not require a license to harvest for personal consumption. For Non-Residents - limited to 20 licenses per year. Because a giant clam can live for more than 100 years, you should consider putting one in a warm, safe place. In order to apply for a new license or renew a license with the system, you first need to create a login for LEEDS Frequently Asked Questions Phone: 207-571-0700, Town Hall, 93 Cottage Street If youre going alone, you should consult with a local town office to determine whether or not you have to obtain a license. The Downeast Institute offers guided tours of their shellfish nursery. The person accompanying and assisting the holder of a complimentary fishing license may do so without obtaining a separate fishing license. We ate a lot of clams in the 1970s, and they were also a lot more plentiful then. Clams should not be kept sealed in plastic or covered with tape. We will also issue 2 resident commercial licenses at a cost of $125.00 with a limit of 2 pecks per day. Licenses run from July 1 through June 30 each year and are obtained from the Town Clerk. The good news is that getting a license is easy and only costs $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Clam digging can take place all year, but from April to September, the best time to dig is early summer. The bottom should be scraped as soon as you use the rake. 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. 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 Biddeford City Clerks office issues annual recreational shellfishing licenses to residents and non-residents. The New England Fishery Management Council is in charge of the deep-sea red crab fishery. There will be no non-resident commercial licenses issued this year. Excavating License Online Form Excavating Permit Online Form Proof of insurance must be included with the application. These members are appointed by the Town Council for three-year terms. It also includes one free chance in the moose lottery and entry into a special category in the antlerless deer permit lottery. Shellfish conservation laws are enforced by the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) and coastal towns with shellfish conservation regulations. Without a permit, you are not allowed to keep any clams you find. Year round licenses are valid from May 1st through April 30th of each year. I created this blog because of my love for seafood and my desire to share that love with others. 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.
