Nantucket Official Guide 2014-2015 | Page 81

FISHING & SHELLFISH T Regulations he Marine and Coastal Resources Department, located at the Police Station at 4 Fairgrounds Road, is responsible for issuing all commercial and non-commercial permits for shellfishing. The resident/property owner (proof required) permit is $25 and the non-resident permit is $100. Both are for individuals over the age of 14. Call 508-228-7261 for details. For your convenience, the Chamber of Commerce website www.nantucketchamber.org offers a link to the MA Division of Marine Fisheries site which contains helpful information about regulations and permits for both commercial and recreational fishing. ©Cary Hazlegrove ACTIVITIES Bay Scallops: Closed season, April 1October 1; recreational season (WednesdaySunday only) October 1 - March 31; commercial season, November 1 March 31, Monday-Friday. Permit required; recreational limit is one bushel per week. Scallops must have a well-defined raised growth ring. Blue Claw Crabs: Open season; no permit required unless using traps. Return eggbearing females. Minimum size is 5-inch shell width, spine to spine. Limit is 25 crabs daily per person. Season closed January 1 April 30. Eels: Open season; permit required. Eels are found in harbors and creeks during spring and fall. Mussels: Open season; permit required. Limit one bushel per week. Oysters: Closed season, May 1 - September 1 - April 30. Permit required; limit is one half-bushel per week. Oysters must be 3 inches in size. Quahogs: Open season; permit required. Limit is one half-bushel per week. Quahog shell must be 1 inch thick at the hinge. Steamers: Closed season, June 15 September 15; recreational season (Sundays only) September 15 - June 14. Permit required; limit one 10-quart pail per week. Steamer shell must be 2 inches in size. Striped Bass / Bluefish: The state requires any resident or non-resident over the age of 16 to purchase a fishing permit to fish from the beach or boat. Persons over the age of 60 can acquire a free online permit. Visit the Massachusetts Energy & Environmental Affairs website for further information. September 1; recreational season, www.nantucketchamber.org • 79