Clamming / Shellfish License

Application

Licenses are available in the Town Clerk's office 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday or by mail with a completed Shellfish License Application.

Fees

The fees for licenses and the enforcement of the shellfish ordinance for the Town of Bar Harbor only apply to the taking of soft shell clams (steamers) Mya arenaria. It is unlawful to dig or take shellfish from flats located in Bar Harbor without a shellfish license issued by the town. License fees are waived for Bar Harbor residents under 18 and over 65 years of age.

Commercial shellfish harvesters must have a valid State of Maine Commercial Shellfish License and a Town of Bar Harbor Commercial Shellfish License. The number of commercial licenses available is adjusted annually by the Marine Resources Committee. Licenses are issued annually July 1 and are valid through June 30.

Flat Opening/Closings

The open clamming areas in Bar Harbor are described and mapped on the following documents provided by the Maine Department of Marine Resources:

Emergency Closing

Although we attempt to keep all the information on the town's website up to date and as accurate as possible, there are situations where emergency closures are imposed due to Red Tide and heavy rainfall.

If you are in doubt as to the status of a particular shellfish harvesting area contact the Harbormaster at 207-288-5571, Town Clerk, or Maine DMR. The Maine Shellfish Sanitation Hotline number is 800-232-4733.

Marine Resources Committee

For more information on clamming, clam biology, clam management, and marine resources research in Bar Harbor go to the Marine Resources Committee page.