The recreational harvesting of shellfish requires all individuals age 14 or older to obtain a recreational shellfish permit through the Town of Nantucket. All children participating in shellfish harvesting under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a valid permit holder. Shellfish taken by a child under the age of 14 are included in the catch limit of the permit holder.
A. 
Town of Nantucket recreational shellfish licenses are not transferable or subject to refunds.
B. 
Fees for annual permits (April 1 through March 30) shall be set from time to time by the Select Board.
No person holding a recreational permit shall harvest shellfish, eels or sea worms for the purpose of sale, trade or other consideration.
Species
Season
Days
Limit
Size and Special Considerations
Bay scallops
Open October 1 - March 31
Wednesday - Sunday
1 bushel per week
Must possess a well-defined growth ring.
Exception: Bay scallops that have a well-defined raised annual growth line located less than 10 mm from the hinge of the shell shall be lawful to harvest and possess if the shell height is at least 63.5 mm or 2.5".
Quahogs
Open year round
Daily
1 - 10-quart bucket/day; no more than 1 bushel/week
1" thick at hinge
Soft-shell clams
Closed June 15 - September 15
Sunday only
1 - 10-quart bucket
2" in length
Note: Undersized clams must be replanted neck upright covered with a layer of sand.
Razor clam
Closed June 15 - September 15
Sunday only
1 - 10-quart bucket
2" in length
Note: Undersized clams must be replanted neck upright covered with a layer of sand.
Blue mussel
Open year round
Daily
1 bushel/week
2" in length
Note: can be taken by 1 standard bay scallop dredge outside of eelgrass areas.
Oysters
Open year round
Daily
0.5 bushel/week
3" in length
Conch
Closed December 16 - April 14
Daily
1 bushel/week
2.75" in width
Blue crab
Closed January 1 - April 30
Daily
25 crabs/day
5" from spine to spine
Note: Hand or dip net only; state permit required for other methods of taking.
Horseshoe crabs
Prohibited
Green crab
In order to harvest green crabs you must obtain a letter of authorization (LOA) from DMF.
Eels
Open year round
24 hours/ day
50/day
6" minimum
Note: can be taken by gigging or by dip net 1.5" mesh netting or bigger; requires state recreational saltwater fishing license.
Other shellfish (limpets, periwinkles, blood arks, sea clams, sea quahogs, sea scallops, winkles)
May be taken in accordance with the laws of Massachusetts; see state regulations.