Shellfish License Information

Shellfish Season

The State of Maine has opened the clam flats in Biddeford for year-round harvesting from June 1st to May 31st for Shellfish License holders. 

Biddeford Pool Shellfish Zone Map

Recreational shellfish digging hours are ½ hour before sunrise until ½ hour after sunset. The issuance of a license from the City of Biddeford in no way ensures that the clam flats within the City will be open or available for shellfish harvesting. The clam flats may be closed due to pollution, red tide, flood closure or for other reasons. Please call Shellfish Sanitation Hotline for closure details (1-800-232-4733) or check the Shellfish Sanitation and Management website.

Limitations on Shellfish Harvesting 

Minimum Clam Size = 2 INCHES

Maximum amount of clams per license per day: 1 PECK (1 peck = ¼ bushel = 2 gallons = 8 quarts. A ten quart pail filled to within one inch of the rim is approximately one peck of clams.) 

Clams shall not be sold. 

Cleansing of clams may only be done in open areas.

All clam diggers / harvesters must use a “clam diggers fork” only. A pitchfork, shovel, hoe, spade, or other similar devices, are prohibited.

All Recreational clam diggers / harvesters shall not possess more than one container while harvesting. The container must have a maximum volume of not more than then (10) quarts. 

License Fees 

  • Resident Recreational: $30.00
  • Resident Recreational 65-69 years old: $10.00
  • Non-Resident Recreational: $60.00
  • Non-Resident Recreational 65-69 years old: $20.00
  • Resident Commercial: $200.00
  • Resident Commercial Over 62 years old: $200.00
  • Non-Resident Commercial: $400.00
  • 1-Day Recreational: $20.00

A resident is anyone who: 

  • Pays real estate taxes to the City of Biddeford, or can provide a rent receipt from within the City. 
  • Is a registered voter.
  • Has a vehicle registered in the City of Biddeford. 
  • Has a valid Driver’s License showing a current Biddeford address.

Proof of eligibility for residential permits is the responsibility of the applicant.

A guest means any person invited to assist a recreational license holder in harvesting a combined total that does not exceed one peck of shellfish per license per any one day.

Fee Waivers

Recreational shellfish license fees will be waived for license holders 70 years or older. Individuals 12 years or younger do not need a license to assist a recreational shellfish license holder in harvesting not more than one peck of shellfish in total per day.

Parking

Please observe all parking regulations. Parking is available at the City lots on the corner of Bridge Road and Mile Stretch Road, the Pool Beach Parking Lot, and Vine’s Landing at Biddeford Pool. Please respect private property.

Anyone interested in assisting the Shellfish Commission in conducting flat surveys can leave their name and telephone number with the City Clerk’s Office at 284-9307 and they will be contacted by a member of the Shellfish Commission when flat surveys are scheduled.