Town of Kittery to Begin Issuing Shellfish Harvesting Licenses for the 2023-2024 Season - Saturday, September 23, 2023
The Town, in conjunction with the Shellfish Conservation Commission, regulates shellfish harvesting in Kittery, in accordance with Town ordinances. Areas in Town that are available for shellfish/clam harvesting with proper licensing for residents and non-residents are designated as such in accordance with Maine Department of Marine Resources regulations. Brave Boat Harbor is currently the only area within Kittery available for the upcoming season.
The Town will begin issuing seasonal licenses for the 2023-2024 clamming season on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at the Traip Academy Harbormaster shack, located at 12 Williams Ave, beginning at 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM, or earlier if all licenses are issued. Parking in the Traip Academy lot will be available beginning at 6:00 AM on September 23, 2023.
A total of 50 licenses will be available on a first come, first serve basis as noted below:
- 30 licenses for residents (recreational): $15.00 each
- 9 licenses for residents (recreational) 70 and over: FREE
- 1 license for non-residents (recreational) 70 and over: FREE
- 5 licenses for residents (recreational) under the age of 14: FREE
- 5 licenses for non-residents (recreational): $30.00
Seasonal licenses will be issued in-person by Shellfish Warden, Chuck Moran, until licenses are sold out in each of the categories listed above. Any individual applying for a seasonal license must be present at the time of purchase. Seasonal licenses cannot be purchased for someone else. Everyone applying for a seasonal clamming license will be required to show a valid ID, such as a driver’s license, passport or state issued ID. Kittery Residents that are applying for a seasonal clamming license will be required to provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill, driver’s license, lease, or deed paperwork for their property in Kittery.
License fees can be paid by check payable to “Town of Kittery” (processing fees will be included) or cash.
If seasonal licenses sell out on September 23, 2023, a waitlist will be established for those still looking to obtain a license for the season. Should additional licenses become available, they will be offered to those on the waiting list chronologically by placement on the waiting list.
After 3:00 PM on September 23, 2023, any licenses that remain available will be sold for the following 90 days on a first come, first serve basis (dependent on resident status and age) at the Kittery Town Hall Customer Service Center, located at 200 Rogers Road during regular business hours. After the 90-day period, any remaining licenses will be sold regardless of resident status or age.
Each seasonal license issued, per Kittery ordinance, is valid from on December 1, 2023 through midnight on November 30, 2024.
Harvest season will be December 3, 2023 - April 28, 2024. Clam harvesting may only occur during the harvest season on Sundays and on nationally recognized holidays, between sunrise and sunset.
For a complete list of Clamming Season Rules and Regulations, please click here.
To view a map of the intertidal areas available for clam harvesting, please click here.
