Recreational shellfishing is allowed ONLY in the below designated areas during open periods. The shellfish areas are rotated to allow juveniles time to develop into legal size (see below for specific open dates for each areas).
Fees: $15.00 for residents, $50.00 for non-residents, seniors are free.
Licenses and guages can be purchased at Provincetown Town Hall.
During open periods, shellfish may only be harvested on Sunday and Friday of each week. Permit holders may only shellfish one of these days per week.
Quahogs must be one inch thick, soft-shelled clams must be two inches long, and oysters must be three inches long. Possession of a gauge is required or you will be denied access to the tidal flats.
The weekly limit for recreational permit holders for any combination of quahogs, soft-shelled clams, and oysters is either one level 10 quart pail or a peck shellfish basket. No other containers are allowed on the tidal flats. The sea clam limit is one bushel per week. If bay scallops are abundant the Shellfish Constable will post their taking and the recreational limit shall be two pecks per week.
No permit is required for sea worms, periwinkles, and mussels, which may be taken year round.
Upon leaving the flats, all recreational shellfish harvesters must report to the Shellfish Constable who maintains a record of the town's yearly harvest.
Violations of the above regulations shall be punishable by a fine of no less than $50 and no more than $300 and/or revocation of license or permit.