Watershed Management Bureau

  Shellfish Program

    For the Recreational Harvester:
    Harvesting Regulations

Softshell Clams (Mya arenaria)- may be taken only from approved areas as classified by the NHDES. Open to residents only, 6 years of age or older, license required ($30.00, free to ages 68+). Clam license must be displayed while clamming. Ten liquid quarts unshucked clams per day may be taken one half hour before sunrise to sunset on Saturdays only, from the day after Labor Day to May 31. Note that closures during this period may occur due to high bacteria counts. Furthermore, the opening of some areas may be delayed until mid/late autumn. Call 1-800-43-CLAMS for updated information. Handheld tools with handles not exceeding 18 inches may be used. No shucked clams are allowed on or while leaving the waters of the state. Clam license number must be permanently marked on the outside of the clam container. NH clams may not be sold. The major softshell clam beds are located in Hampton/Seabrook Harbor, though softshell clams are present in less abundance in Great Bay and Little Bay.

Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) - may be taken only from approved areas as classified by NHDES. Open to residents only; license required ($30.00, free to ages 68+); season closed July and August. One bushel of unshucked oysters may be taken daily by hand or hand tongs only, between sunrise and sunset. No shucked oysters may be possessed while on or leaving any waters under the jurisdiction of the state. Illegal to take through the ice. NH oysters may not be sold. Oyster license number must be permanently marked on the outside of the container. Harvester shall have license on person. The major oyster beds are found in Great Bay.

Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) - may be taken only from approved areas as classified by NHDES. Open to residents only; license required ($30.00, free to ages 68+); season closed July and August. One bushel of unshucked oysters may be taken daily by hand or hand tongs only, between sunrise and sunset. No shucked oysters may be possessed while on or leaving any waters under the jurisdiction of the state. Illegal to take through the ice. NH oysters may not be sold. Oyster license number must be permanently marked on the outside of the container. Harvester shall have license on person. The major oyster beds are found in Great Bay.

Surfclams (Spisula solidissima), mahogany quahogs (Arctica islandica), and razor clams (Ensis directus) - may be taken only from approved areas as classified by the NHDES. Surf clams and mahogany quahogs may be found along the Atlantic Coast, while razor clams primarily occur in the Great Bay Estuary. Open to residents only, no recreational license required. Recreational harvest by hand or hand held tools. Commercial digging may be by dredge with blade or knife not larger than 48 inches. Daily limit is 500 bushels of unshucked clams.

Source: NHF&G 2002 Saltwater Fishing Digest