All Waters of the Nauset Marsh
Town Cove and Salt Pond
ARE OPEN
for Shellfishing
except the harvest of Moon Snails
effective 23 July 2008
The rich history of harvesting shellfish in Eastham is an important link to the town's traditional way of life. As a popular recreational activity for residents and visitors alike the exploration of this resource is also a valuable component of the town's economic growth. Significant issues of increased demand, water quality, and invasive species are impacting this valuable component of the town's natural resources. The Department is committed to maintaining shellfish stocks in response to this demand and in order to preserve the diversity and productivity of the town's marshes and bays. Successful management of this fishery relies upon public support of supervised shellfishing programs and cooperation between various private and municipal aquaculture ventures.
Shellfish populations represent a significant part of the estuarine habitat. From an industry perspective they represent income and livlihood. Recreationally, shellfishing is a major component of the leisure activity of both residents and visitors, and overall the presence of a healthy shellfishery is part of the quality of life that we enjoy.
Another aspect of their value is the ability to serve as a barometer for the health and well being of the ecosystem in which they live, which in turn is influenced by the surrounding upland areas. Shellfish are in fact very useful sentinel organisms as they constantly monitor water quality and “report” back to observers their findings.
The goals of the Natural Resources Department are to maintain and enhance healthy shellfish stocks through a variety of methods. These include innovative techniques which are based in the science of Aquaculture as well as the traditional methods of enforcing regulations which are designed to encourage conservation.
Education of the general public about these important topics is an ongoing part of our work and we hope this site will contribute to your understanding. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Recreational shellfish permits are available to residents and nonresidents alike. This license is valid for one year and allows the holder to harvest up to ten quarts of shellfish per week (The week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday). There is no limit to the number of helpers but the person whose name is on the permit must be present. Commercial permits are only available to domiciled residents of Eastham or Orleans and must be obtained between the months of January and April. Both types of permits are available at the Natural Resources office or through the mail.
In the 1940's Eastham initiated a supervised recreational shellfishing program. Mature hard shell clams were taken from town waters in Cape Cod Bay and transported to Salt Pond. These Quahogs were then available for harvest by residents and visitors alike on Sundays throughout the year. This program continues today, providing clammers with a satisfying harvest and the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a healthy marsh ecosystem.
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