When does a shellfish license expire?

Shellfish licenses are valid from June 1 - May 31.

Please Note: One day licenses are valid for 1 day during a specific week long period.

How can I obtain a lobster license?

To get information on obtaining a license for lobsters, please call Mike Syslo at the State Lobster Hatchery. The phone number for the hatchery is 508-693-0060.

I am not an Edgartown resident interested in shellfishing.  How can I get a license?

Edgartown family non-resident licenses are available at a cost of $250.  One day licenses are available for $50 and are valid for 1 day during a one-week time period.

Please note: It is also necessary to purchase a measuring gauge ($5) for quahogs and clams.

Shellfish licenses are available for sale at the Town Hall. You may also purchase a license by mail. Send request along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Board of Selectmen, 70 Main Street, P.O. Box 5158, Edgartown, MA 02539. Please state that you are a non-resident and include your island address along with a check payable to the Town of Edgartown. If you are applying for a one day license, please indicate which week you will be shellfishing.

Licenses are valid for husband, wife, children under 18 and/or two guests.

All family license holders must:

Have permit in possession while shellfishing.

Have shellfish measuring gauge in possession.

Must have a positive picture identification on their person while shellfishing.

A family permit may not be used to fish more than once a week for any and all species of shellfish.

Catch Limits:

A family permit holder shall not take more than ½ bushel of any and all species of shellfish during said week except for Bay Scallops. The Bay Scallop limit shall be no more than one (1) struck level 10 gallon plastic wash basket per week in season. Bay scalloping is not permitted for one-day license holders.

I am an Edgartown resident interested in shellfishing.  How can I get a license?

Edgartown family resident licenses are available at a cost of $50. Licenses are free for Edgartown residents 60 years or older.

Please note: It is also necessary to purchase a measuring gauge ($5) for quahogs and clams.

Shellfish licenses are available for sale at the Town Hall. You may also purchase a license by mail. Send request along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Board of Selectmen, 70 Main Street, P.O. Box 5158, Edgartown, MA 02539. Please state that you are a resident and include your island address along with a check payable to the Town of Edgartown.

Licenses are valid for husband, wife, children under 18 and/or two guests.

All family license holders must:

Have permit in possession while shellfishing.

Have shellfish measuring gauge in possession.

Must have a positive picture identification on their person while shellfishing.

A family permit may not be used to fish more than once a week for any and all species of shellfish.

Catch Limits:

A family permit holder shall not take more than ½ bushel of any and all species of shellfish during said week except for Bay Scallops. The Bay Scallop limit shall be no more than one (1) struck level 10 gallon plastic wash basket per week in season.