Shellfish Digger Permits
Allows permit holder to harvest, cull, sort or tag clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops taken from certified or open waters for commercial purposes.
Fee: New York State Residents: $50, Non-residents: $150
Age Requirement: Applicants 16 years old or under must have application signed and notarized by parent or legal guardian.
Permit Duration: Permit expires December 31 each year.
How to Apply
Residents
- Download and complete the Resident Shellfish Digger Permit application (PDF)
- Sign and date on all required documents and include the permit fee.
- Submit the completed application by mail or in-person to:
NYSDEC Marine Permit Office, 123 Kings Park Blvd., Kings Park, NY 11754 - Complete the online Shellfish Harvester Certification Training. For more information on the training, contact 631-444-0489 or [email protected].
Non-residents
- Download and complete the Non-resident Shellfish Digger Permit application (PDF)
- Sign and date on all required documents and include the permit fee.
- Submit the completed application by mail or in-person to:
NYSDEC Marine Permit Office, 123 Kings Park Blvd., Kings Park, NY 11754 - Complete the commercial Shellfish Harvester Certification Training. For more information on the training contact 631-444-0489 or [email protected].
Shellfish Digger Vessel Endorsements
Allows a Shellfish Digger Permit Holder to endorse his or her permit to a single vessel which covers all people on board the vessel while harvesting, culling, sorting, or tagging hard clams and oysters.
Fee: Vessels 40 feet or less: $50, Vessels greater than 40 feet: $100
Age Requirement: Applicants 16 years old or under must have application signed and notarized by parent or legal guardian.
Permit Duration: Permit expires December 31 each year
How to Apply
Vessels 40 Feet or Less
- Download and complete the Shellfish Digger Endorsement for Vessels up to 40 Feet (PDF)
- Be sure to sign and date on all required documents and include the permit fee.
- Submit the completed application by mail or in-person to:
NYSDEC Marine Permit Office, 123 Kings Park Blvd., Kings Park, NY 11754 - Complete the online Shellfish Harvester Certification Training. The training can be completed from a smartphone, tablet, or computer using the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer is no longer supported. For more information on the training contact 631-444-0489 or [email protected].
Vessels Greater Than 40 Feet
- Download and complete the Shellfish Digger Endorsement for Vessels Greater than 40 Feet (PDF)
- Sign and date on all required documents and include the permit fee.
- Include copies of your valid vessel state registration or US Coast Guard Vessel Certificate of Documentation for the vessel identified on the endorsement.
- Submit the completed application by mail or in-person to:
NYSDEC Marine Permit Office, 123 Kings Park Blvd., Kings Park, NY 11754 - Complete the online Shellfish Harvester Certification Training. The training can be completed from a smartphone, tablet, or computer using the latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer is no longer supported. For more information on the training contact 631-444-0489 or [email protected].
License Renewal
A renewal form will be sent by mail prior to the permit expiration date. If a license renewal form is not received at least 2 weeks prior to the expiration date, please contact us at the address or number below.
Reporting or Recordkeeping
- Digger Permits - Permit holder must maintain complete and accurate records of all shellfish transactions.
- Vessel Endorsements - The holder of the endorsed shellfish digger permit must fulfill all recordkeeping requirements required for shellfish diggers permit holders.
- Vessel Endorsements - The holder of the endorsed digger permit must maintain a daily log of the names and addresses of individuals covered by the endorsed permit for each day the vessel is used to take hard clams and oysters.
Responsibility of Shellfish Digger Permit Holders
Shellfish harvesters play a key role in keeping shellfish safe for consumers. All shellfish harvesters should review the following resources before engaging in shellfish operations:
- Be familiar with harvesting regulations and gear restrictions.
- Use the DEC Public Shellfish Mapper to be aware of temporary shellfishing closures and commercial harvest zones.
- Ensure shellfish are safe for consumption by following proper handling and storage practices.
- Visit Vibrio Control Plan for specific requirements for maintaining shaded and cooled shellfish during warm weather months.
All shellfish diggers must also possess an approved marine sanitation device, portable toilet or other sewage disposal receptacle on all vessels to contain human sewage and shall:
- Be used only for the purpose intended
- Be secured while on board in a location to prevent contamination of shellstock from spillage or leakage
- Be emptied only into a sewage disposal system
- Be cleaned before being returned to the vessel
- Not be cleaned in equipment used for washing or processing food
- If a bucket is used as an MSD it shall be constructed of an impervious, cleanable material, have a tight fitting lid, and be indelibly labeled "Human Waste" in contrasting letters at least 3 inches in height.
Laws and Regulations
New York Codes Rules and Regulations (NYCRR)
- Part 41: Sanitary Condition of Shellfish Lands
- Part 42: Sanitary Control Over Shellfish
Environmental Conservation Law (ECL)
- 13-0311 Commercial shellfish diggers permit ensure that their shellfish are safe for consumption. Be familiar with harvesting regulations and gear restrictions.
