Shellfish

Important Notices

  • Soft Shell and Scallops are OPEN
  • Oysters and Quahogs are OPEN
  • Bass River is OPEN to shellfishing.

Recreational Shellfish License Information

A recreational shellfish license is purchased yearly and is valid for the calendar year. Only one license is issued per household and anyone in the immediate family may carry said permit on his/her person during its use. Licenses may be purchased at the Natural Resources office during regular business hours.

Please refer to the Recreational Shellfish Regulations for shellfish size, harvest days, and quantities.

How to Obtain a Recreation Shellfish License

  • Dennis Residents over 70 years of age: $12 per calendar year
  • Dennis Residents: $40 per calendar year
  • Non-Residents: $100 per calendar year
  • Non-Resident Veterans (BRAVE Act): Resident Fees ($40 for households or $12 for over 70 individuals). A MA driver's license and proof of having served in the military are required at the time of purchase.

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 bring your 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.

Commercial Shellfish License Information

A Commercial Shellfish License is purchased yearly between the months of January to March at the Natural Resources office.

The cost for this license is $250 and must be accompanied with an application form and a Commercial license from the Division of Marine Fisheries.

Shellfish Committee Meetings

  • 6 pm
  • 3rd Wednesday of each month
  • Dennis Town Hall Prue Conference Room
    685 Route 134
    South Dennis, MA 02660

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Staff Contacts

Members

  • Aaron Brochu, Chair - Term Ends 03/31/2027
  • John Carrier, Member - Term Ends 03/31/2026
  • Jeffrey Doyle, Member - Term Ends 03/31/2027
  • Steve Drowne, Member - Term Ends 03/31/206
  • Carl Howard, Member - Term Ends 03/31/2026
  • John Lowell, Member - Term Ends 03/31/2026
  • Ray Ward, Representative - Term Ends 03/31/2027
  • Jeremy Corna, Alternate - 03/31/2026
  • Vacant, Alternate