Niantic River-Niantic Bay Shellfish Regulations (PDF)

Niantic River/Niantic Bay Shellfish Regulations
No Refund of Permit Fees
The purchaser of a clamming permit takes the risk of limited access to the open clamming areas. Under
inclementweatherthe clamming areasmay beclosed.
THE COMMISSION WILLNOT REFUND ANY PERMIT FEES FOR ANY REASON.
Seasonal Open and Closed Areas
The conditionally approved areas open and close for shell fishing are dependent upon the season and/or rainfall.
Area “A” is conditionally open on a year round basis. Areas “B” (North and South)and “F” are closed between
approximately May Ist and November 15th based on Bureau of Aquaculture approval,which is contingent on the
presence of boats moored in the area, and or boating activity. (NOTE: Areas “B” and“F” will not reopen until
fewer than 20 boats remain, in accordance with NSSP-MO requirements. Area “E” is conditionally approved on
a year round basis. Events requiring closure are described below. On the opposite sideof this sheet is a detailed
description of these areas with a map of the river & bay showing the locations.
Events Requiring Closure of the Conditional Area
A15-inch rainfall for areas A and B (North and South) in a 24-hour period will result in the closure of the
conditional areas for a minimum of 7 days. Approved area E & Conditionally Approved area F are closed following a
3.0 inch rainfall. Closures may also take place for sewage or chemical effluent release or other public health
reasons. Check the phone info line and/or the signal disks for the status.
Methods of Public Notice
The commission will advise the public of area opening or closures by the following methods:
1. Calling the shellfish info line Phone# 860-444-5812 will advise the status.
2. Status signal disks located at the state boat launch on Rope Ferry Road in Waterford for both
Area “A” and Area “B” and at the Hole in the Wall Beach for area "E” and Crescent Beach
for area “F”’. Disks are displayed with red signaling closed and white open.
Clamming Permit Required.
All shell fishing is by permit only. Permits are available from J & B Tackle, Mackey’s Bait and Tackle shops,
Waterford & East Lyme Clerks Offices. Penalties are severe for violation of these or any other shellfish regulations.
READ THE REGULATIONS ON THIS HANDOUT AND THE ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENT.
Map And Description of Areas
A Map of the Niantic River and Bay reflecting the conditionally approved areas “A”, “B’’, “E” and “F” witha
written description of the areas is included with this material.
SCALLOPING IS COVERED BY OTHER REGULATIONS AND PERMITS

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Clamming, Musseling, & Oystering
Regulations for Niantic River and Niantic Bay
The respective Shellfish Commissions on a periodic basis will determine
clamming,musseling and oystering season.
No person shall take, remove or carry away clams, mussels or oysters from the Niantic River or
Bay without a valid permit for the respective area approved by the Waterford-East Lyme Shellfish
Commission and/or the East Lyme Shellfish Commission, hereafter referred to as the
Commissions.
Any person purchasing a clamming permit may use it for one (1) year from date of issue to
takehis/her daily limit of oysters when oyster season is open. Permit is also valid for taking
of mussels.
The taking of oysters from the inland (Niantic River) waters of East Lyme or Waterford during the
months of May,June, July and August shall be prohibited.
Permits will be issued by the Town Clerks or at outlets or locations designated by the Commissions.
Any resident of the State of Connecticut will be allowed and required to purchase a permit. Out-of-State
residents who are renting living accommodations in the Towns of East Lyme or Waterford, may
purchase a permit at designated rates for the time of their stay only, with proof in writing of at least
seven (7) days continuous residency in either town. Non-residents that pay property taxes in either
town may purchase a permit as resident rates.
Permit fees will be determined each year, or as found necessary by the Commissions.
Daily Limit is one (1) peck (2 gallons) per permit for clams and 30 oysters. There is no limit for the
taking of mussels.
Name and address of all permittees are to be registered on the permit with the permit seller; the
permittee will receive a copy that shall be carried during shell fishing. Both local and permanent
addresses of out of state residents are required.
. No person shall take from these waters or beaches or have in his/her possession, soft shell clams which
are less than one and one half (1-1/2) inches in length; or hard shell clams which are less than one (1)
inch in thickness or will pass through a ring of one and one half (1-1/2) inch internal diameter; or
razor clams which are less than four (4) inches in length or oysters less than three (3) inches in length,
which is minimum size per State Statue.
. No rake, tong or other device shall be used for taking of hard-shell clams or oysters with spaces or
openings between the teeth or prongs less than one (1) inch.
. The taking of shellfish will only be allowed between Sunrise and Sunset.
. All state laws pertaining to shell fishing not covered by the Commissions regulations will apply and be
enforced by the Commission’s and the State’s Wardens.
. Possession of a permit does not allow the holder to take shellfish in areas that are subject to closure and
have been posted as either temporarily or permanently closed.
Taking of shellfish by free swimming, snorkel or scuba diving is prohibited. Any person who violates any
provision of these rules shall be fined not more than two hundred ($250.00) upon conviction. Upon
conviction, the court may order that such person may not be entitled to a permit or license to take
shellfish from the Niantic River or Bay for the remainder of that season following such conviction.
There is no shell fishing in Leased Areas.
Children under age of 16 accompanied by a permit holder may help permittee gather shellfish. Total
shellfish taken not to exceed permit limit. July 21, 2016)