Maine - Shellfishing

Shellfishing in Maine is a fun and tasty family outing

No statewide license is required for people harvesting shellfish recreationally, for their own personal consumption. However, individual towns may require licenses to take shellfish in their jurisdictions. Consult town clerks’ offices.
State limits on recreational shellfish catches, per person, per day are:
Clams – maximum one peck (equal to one-quarter bushel); clam must be at least 2 inches long
Mussels – maximum two bushels; mussel must be at least 2 inches long
Quahogs – maximum one-half bushel; quahog must have at least a one-inch hinge
Surf Clams, Hen Clams, Mahogany Quahogs – maximum 3 bushels
People doing shellfishing should also be aware of the closures of shellfish beds, which may be due to contaminated waters or may be due to shellfish seeding projects. Consult individual town offices or call the shellfish sanitation hotline at 800-232-4733. Information: Maine Department of Marine Resources