Shellfish Department

 2023 Shellfish Licenses go on sale December 1, 2022

There has been a 10 dollar increase in all Recreational Permits for 2023

Prices below in chart

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 receive an email letting you know when to pick it up.  Once you receive your email confirmation that your permit has been issued, permits can be picked up in a plastic box inside the back door of Town Hall, Mon.-Fri., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

----->Link to purchase Shellfish License<----

Link to Information about closed area at Indian Neck

Here is a map of the closed area at Indian Neck for quahog relay program 

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)

2023 Recreational Shellfishing Permit Fees  (( Fee's went up $10.00 for Recreational Permits))

            *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.