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