General Information

The Shellfish Department’s primary function is to provide, protect, and nourish the shellfisheries in the Town of Truro .  The main duties include the following: Purchasing and planting of shellfish stock for the public shellfish beds (there are no private shellfish beds in the Town of Truro); Protection of public shellfish beds from predators including moon snails, green crabs, and starfish; Patrol of shellfish flats to enforce shellfish regulations (illegal taking of shellfish; and Water quality testing of shellfish beds with the state Division of Marine Fisheries.

Regulations

Please click here to view the complete list of Shellfish regulations

Permit Information

You must have a valid permit with you while shellfishing and display it to the shellfish Warden on demand.

 Please click here for permit and fee information

Recreational Shellfish Season

In general, the harvesting season shall extend from November 1 to April 30 dependent upon levels of pollution, as established by the Commonwealth.  The Warden has discretion as to when to open and close the harvesting season subject to consultation with the Shellfish Advisory Committee.  The Warden is empowered to order a mid-winter closure at times he deems best to preserve the brood stock.

Shellfish Area Maps

Pamet Harbor Shellfish Area

Location of Shellfish Species in Pamet Harbor

Regional Eelgrass Coverage

Documents and Forms of Interest

Shellfish Management Plan

Surf Clam Restoration Project

Page last modified Tue, Mar 4 2008