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Shellfish Department
Digging, harvesting or collecting, attempting to dig, harvest or collect and/or the possession of quahogs and carnivorous snails is prohibited and punishable by a fine of $500. Please obey all posted signage.
Responsibilities
The Shellfish Department is responsible for monitoring Gloucester shellfish harvesting areas and enforcing both Gloucester shellfishing regulations and Commonwealth of Massachusetts laws in order to conserve and protect the city’s shellfish resources and promote public health.
Permits & Other Documents
Resident non-commercial permits are issued by the City Clerk’s office at City Hall. For office hours, please call (978) 281-9720. Be sure to view the Shellfish Resource Packet (PDF). Also, Color-Coded Map (PDF), regulations, and ordinances can be also obtained at the City Clerk’s office. For information on closures please contact the Shellfish Department 24 hour hotline at (978) 325-5245. Non-Residents may apply for a one day or one year (July 1-June 30) non-commercial permit here. ALL PERMIT HOLDERS MUST CALL THE SHELLFISH HOTLINE PRIOR TO HARVEST.
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
Shellfish Classification Area Maps
- N7 Essex Bay
- N8 Coffins Beach
- N9 Annisquam River & Gloucester Harbor
- N10 Outer North Gloucester
- N12 Good Harbor Beach
- N13 Eastern Point
- N14 Magnolia
Types of Permits & Fees
All permits expire on June 30 of each year.
Permit Type | Fee |
---|---|
Non-resident, non-commercial clam and seaworm (annual) | $200 |
Non-resident, non-commercial clam (one day) | $25 |
Resident, commercial clam and seaworm | $400 |
Resident, commercial clam (full-time student) | $200 |
Resident, commercial eel | $50 |
Resident, commercial or non-commercial (senior 70+ years) | Free |
Resident, commercial seaworm only | $70 |
Resident, non-commercial clam and seaworm | $50 |
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Peter Seminara
Shellfish Warden
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Shellfish Department
Physical Address
19 Harbor Loop
Gloucester, MA 01930
Phone: (978) 325-5758Fax: (978) 281-9779
Hours
Monday through Wednesday
8:30 am to 4 pm
Thursday
8:30 am to 6:30 pm
Friday
8:30 am to 12:30 pm