Status by phone only. Call before you go.
Areas & maps
Harvest only in DEC-certified areas. Check the DEC Public Shellfish Mapper and current temporary closures (https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/shellfishing/temporary-closures) before you go.
Permits & fees
Residency unconfirmed, ask the Town Clerk.
| Recreational permit | Fee and eligibility unconfirmed — call the Town Clerk at (631) 451-9101 |
|---|---|
| Form TC-15 (rev. 01/26), $75 | Appears to be the town's COMMERCIAL shellfish permit (requires a valid NYS Shellfish Digger Permit plus DEC permit and boat details) — not a recreational fee |
Limits by species
| Clams + oysters + mussels combined | 1 bushel per day (state) |
|---|---|
| Hard clams | 100 per day; 1" thickness at hinge |
| Soft clams | ½ bushel; 1½" length |
| Oysters | ½ bushel; 3" longest diameter |
| Bay scallops | 1 bushel in season; 2¼" + annual growth ring |
| Town rule (6 NYCRR 86.2, via Cornell LII — verify) | Text says residents only; town permit needed over ½ bushel/day; no Sunday shellfishing; no dredges; hard clams 1", soft clams 2". Town form lists no limits or seasons. |
Season & hours
State: bay scallop season opens first Monday in November (see DEC limits PDF). Town rules may add restrictions.
Rain closure rules
NYSDEC: emergency closures follow rainfall over 3" in 24–36 hours. In summer, when water is warmer, some areas may be closed after LESS than 3". Closures may be extended beyond 7 days if water quality has not improved by day 6. North Shore embayments close at least 3 days and may reopen on day 4 after testing (Stony Brook and Mount Sinai harbors may take longer). Recorded closure line 631-444-0480, updated after 4 PM from day 3–4.
Where to buy a permit
Call the Town Clerk, One Independence Hill, Farmingville, (631) 451-9101, to confirm recreational permit requirements. (Town forms online: TC-15 shellfish permit $75, TC-13 helper permit $50, TC-14 buyer permit $300 — all appear to be commercial.)
Notes & sources
6 NYCRR 86.2 (via Cornell LII) also limits oysters (no take May 1–Sep 1; over 5") — verify against current town code. https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-york/6-NYCRR-86.2
Latest posted status
Every Thursday: which beds are posted open, closures after rain, and season changes. Free, unsubscribe anytime.