Shellfish Areas

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Close-up of a group of oysters with rough, layered shells piled together on a white background. — These oysters are a common coastal shellfish species and play an important role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

Recreational harvest of various types of shellfish is an activity enjoyed by many New Hampshire residents. State licenses are required to harvest softshell clam and oysters; other shellfish may have certain restrictions on taking, but require no license. Softshell clams are dug from flats at or near low tide. Oysters are brought up from their shallow beds using tongs or simply picked up by hand. For season, limit and take requirements for shellfish, see Shellfish Identification.

Clam Flat Hotline

For the latest information on closed and open shellfishing areas, call Fish and Game’s Clam Flat Hotline at 1-800-43-CLAMS. The hotline is updated weekly on Friday afternoons, but harvesters should check back frequently for unscheduled updates. For those harvesting in Little Bay and Bellamy River open areas check the hotline after 9 a.m. on Saturdays for any updates. Additional information is available on the New Hampshire Fish and Game website and through the New Hampshire Coastal Atlas.

Shellfish Maps Online

Shellfish harvesters have a great tool making it easier to find out what areas are open for harvest. You can now get updates on the status of the clam flats and other coastal areas, including red tide alerts, on your mobile phone or computer via an interactive website hosted by the N.H. Department of Environmental Services. Interactive maps show areas open for harvest. Use a personal computer to sign up for free text or email alerts through the New Hampshire Coastal Atlas. The information matches the weekly Clam Hotline message, but comes to you on the devices you use.

Did You Know?

Only New Hampshire residents are allowed to purchase licenses for the taking of clams and oysters.

Oyster Reef Restoration Area

A fifteen-acre area near Nannie Island in Great Bay, shown on the map below, is closed to harvesting of clam, oyster, and other bivalve mollusk for a five-year period that extends through October 31, 2026. The closed area is marked with orange buoys labeled “Oyster Restoration Site” on the four corners of the site. The existing Woodman Point and Nannies Island natural oyster reef beds identified on the map remain open to shellfish harvesters. Learn more by visiting the New Hampshire Fish and Game marine page.

Map of the Nannie Island oyster restoration project area in Great Bay, Newington, New Hampshire, showing restoration boundaries and natural oyster reef. — This map illustrates the fifteen-acre oyster restoration project area near Nannie Island in Great Bay, highlighting restoration zones and natural oyster reefs.

Great Bay Shellfish Open/Closed Areas

Map of Great Bay and surrounding rivers in New Hampshire showing shellfish harvesting areas marked as open or closed, with color-coded boundaries. — This map shows shellfish harvesting areas in Great Bay and nearby rivers, indicating which locations are open or closed to harvesting based on current regulations.

N.H. Coast Shellfish Open/Closed Areas

Map of the New Hampshire coastline showing shellfish harvesting areas marked as open or closed, including Hampton Harbor, Rye Harbor, and Seabrook Beach. — This map shows shellfish harvesting areas along the New Hampshire coast, indicating which locations are open or closed based on current shellfish regulations.

Illustrated step-by-step guide showing proper clam digging techniques, including cutting a section of flat, lifting it, removing legal clams, and replacing the flat to protect remaining clams. — This illustrated guide explains proper clam digging techniques that help protect clam beds, reduce harm to undersized clams, and support sustainable shellfish harvesting.