Shellfish Department

***The Shellfish Department will be practicing social distancing of six feet between people, which means that we will ask you to move away as we inspect your catch.***

2021Shellfish licenses will be able to be purchased  online only (read details below): 

Seasonal Licenses will not  be sold for 2021 year.  

Year round licenses only.

Please plan ahead to get your shellfishing permit as it will take 24 hours to process, not including weekends.
Once you submit your form and pay online, at the blue link above you will recieve an email letting you know when to pick it up.   Pick up is at Beach Sticker office at the pier ( next to Mac's Seafood) current hours everyday 9am - 3pm if you have an problems contact the Beach Sticker office at 508-349-9818

https://www.wellfleet-ma.gov/shellfish-department/pages/recreational-shellfishing

Check our Facebook Page for quickest updates

Questions: (508)-349-0325

Lieutenant Island South:  Everyday Oct. 1 - May 31

You must have your current year shellfish license with you.  Recreation permit allows 10 quarts per week to be harvest ( Sunday-Saturday is week)

2021 Recreational Shellfishing Permit Fees

            *Wellfleet residents and taxpayers must provide proof of residency or real estate tax bill at time of purchase.

*To enjoy the Massachusetts Veteran Discount, applicants must provide:

1. A Massachusetts license bearing the Veteran seal,

2. A Massachusetts license and a DD-214 form

3. A Massachusetts license and a Veteran ID card issued by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affair

The Wellfleet Shellfish Department is responsible for managing shellfish resources, promoting shellfish propagation, monitoring water quality, and conserving Wellfleet's marine & estuarine resources.  Wellfleet Harbor is a federal No-Discharge Area, and has been designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

In Massachusetts, coastal municipalities manage shellfish resources within a three mile limit from shore.  In Wellfleet, the most common shellfish are oysters (Crassostrea virginica), quahaugs or hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria), soft shell clams (Mya arenaria) and bay scallops (Argopecten irradians).

This site is provided to encourage responsible, legal use of the Town's shellfish resources, answer questions you might have about shellfishing and shellfish in general, and promote interaction among members of the shellfishing community.