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1. How much are Recreational Shellfish Permits?

Dennis Resident: $20.00 per calendar year

Non-Resident: $65.00 per calendar year

Over 70 Dennis Resident: $3.00 per calendar year

Veterans (BRAVE Act): $3.00 per calendar year (A MA drivers license and proof of having served in the military is required at the time of purchase)

2. Can I take someone out shellfishing with me?

Yes. Anyone from a household may use a family permit. Dennis residents may purchase family permits for $20.00. 

3. How to obtain a Recreational Shellfish License

Dennis residents need to bring their driver's license and one additional form of documentation with the Dennis address on it such as a current property tax bill or utility bills.

Cash or checks are accepted. We do not accept credit/debit cards.

If you are renewing your shellfish license from the previous year, please bring in your current shellfish license and we will update it with a new valid sticker for the calendar year.

If you missed a year or more of renewal, you will need to bring in your driver's license and one additional form of documentation with the Dennis address on it.

4. What is open for shellfishing?

Many of our shellfish seasons are species specific. Please refer to the recreational shellfishing regulations. The oyster season runs December 1 - March 31 and the quahog season runs December 1 - May 31. 

5. What are the hours of operation for shellfishing?

Sunrise to sunset.

6. What do I need to go shellfishing?

Each shellfish species requires different gear to harvest. Boots or waders, gloves, a basket and some kind of clam rake (there are several) are the most common gear for shellfishers across all species harvest. Gear will vary based on type of shellfish being harvested.

7. Where can I go shellfishing?

We suggest sites where the Town performs propagation efforts for the best opportunity to harvest shellfish successfully. Those sites are West Dennis Beach (oysters) and Cove Road (quahogs). Please refer to the shellfish maps for more information on where to find different shellfish species. 

8. What will I be able to harvest?

This depends on the time of year. The most common shellfish harvested in Dennis are oysters and quahogs which can be harvested in winter months. December - March for oysters and December - May for quahogs. All shellfish have species specific seasons; please, refer to the recreational shellfish regulations for all shellfish seasons. 

9. What is the difference between a clam and a quahog?

Quahog is a colloquial term for hard-shelled clams. There are many species of clams; quahogs are just one type and they are clam you typically see as fried or stuffed clams. Quahogs are the most common and easily found clams in Dennis. 

10. How much can I take home?

Harvest limits are species specific. Please refer to the recreational shellfish regulations for those limits. Harvest limits are on a weekly basis. The week begins on Sunday. 

11. How about "Senior Permits"?

Senior permits are available for Dennis residents (over 70) at $3.00 per calendar year. 

12. Are shellfish safe to eat?

Yes, shellfish are safe to consume from shellfish growing areas that are in the open status per the Division of Marine Fisheries and the Department of Natural Resources unless otherwise stated in a public notice or posted at specific landing sites.