Shellfish Permits



Resident Recreational Permits


Persons with proof of residency in the Town of Ipswich may be granted a permit.

Fee: $30 per calendar year  plus $10.00 enhancement fee  

         70+ years old - $10.00 enhancement fee only


Resident Recreational Family Permits


A head of household whose principal year round domicile is within the Town of Ipswich may be granted a resident family permit. This permit entitles the head of household, his or her spouse living within the same domicile, his or her children 14 years of age or younger, and any other person living within the same domicile whose legal guardian is the said head of household to be included on the permit.

Fee: $40 per calendar year plus $10.00 enhancement fee


Non-Resident Recreational Permits


Persons with proof of residence in Massachusetts but who are not residents of Ipswich may be granted a permit.

Fee: $150 per calendar year plus $10.00 enhancement fee


Non-Resident Massachusetts Veterans


The permit fee for a Massachusetts Veteran (as defined by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (https://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cisvet/vetdefin.htm)) who is not a resident of Ipswich is $30.00 per calendar year plus $10.00 payable to the Shellfish Enhancement Fund.

The fee for a Massachusetts Veteran (as defined by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (https://www.sec.state.ma.us/cis/cisvet/vetdefin.htm)) who is seventy (70) years of age or older and not a resident of Ipswich is $10.00 per calendar year payable to the Shellfish Enhancement Fund.

***To be eligible for the Veteran's fee, proof of Veteran status (copy of DD-214) and Massachusetts residency must be presented with application.


One Day Recreational Permits

The One Day permit fee for a Massachusetts resident who is not a resident of Ipswich is $20.00 per day.  In order to purchase a One Day permit you must appear with proof of residence in Massachusetts the day you wish to dig. You may purchase a One Day permit for Saturday on Friday.  

You must be at the Town Clerks Office at least a 1/2 hour before closing time to purchase a One Day permit.**

**There are no refunds for any reason for Shellfish permits.

Fee: $20 per day

Commercial Shellfish Permits***


Application Periods for 2023 Commercial Shellfish Permits: To obtain a permit, completed applications must be submitted to the Town Clerk during application periods indicated.

  • New:  Dec 1st - Jan 3rd** due to Town Hall Holiday closure
  • Renewal: Dec 1st - March 1st
  • Student: Dec 1st - Jan 3rd** due to Town Hall Holiday closure

Commercial permits may be applied for at the Town Clerk's Office. Please see the Town of Ipswich Shellfish Regulations for additional information regarding commercial licenses.


Fee: Under 70 years old - $400.00 fee plus $50.00 enhancement fee.  (subject to task completion approved by the Shellfish Constable.)

         70+ years old - $50.00 enhancement fee only    

         Student - $200 fee plus $50 enhancement fee

    

Related Documents

  1. Clam Map of all Flats (JPG)
  2. Shellfish Rules and Regulations (PDF)
  3. Commercial Shellfish License Application