Code of Massachusetts Regulations
322 CMR - Division of Marine Fisheries
Title 322 CMR 6.00 - Regulation of Catches
Section 6.20 - Quahogs, Soft Shelled Clams and Oysters
Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024
(1) Definitions.
Aquaculturist means any person authorized by the Director to propagate or rear shellfish for commercial purposes under the authority of a shellfish propagation permit issued pursuant to 322 CMR 7.01(4): Special Permits.
Batch means all shellfish in each separate container.
Commercial Purposes means the possession of any oyster, quahog or soft shelled clam by a commercial fisherman or aquaculturist for primary purchase by a dealer acting as a primary buyer.
Container means any bag, box, basket, cage, tote or other receptacle containing loose shellfish or fish which may be separated from the entire load or shipment.
Dealer means any person, business or entity that is permitted in accordance with M.G.L. c. 130, § 80, and 322 CMR 7.01(3): Dealer Permits to purchase or sell shellfish at a wholesale or retail level.
Hinge Width means the distance between the convex apex of the right shell and the convex apex of the left shell.
Market Size means any oyster, quahog or soft shelled clam that is at least the minimum size prescribed at 322 CMR 6.20(2) and may be harvested, possessed or sold for commercial purposes.
Oyster means that species of mollusk known as Crassostrea virginica.
Quahog or Hard Clam means that genus of mollusk known as Mercenaria sp.
Razor Clam means that species of mollusk known as Ensis directus.
Seed means any oyster, quahog or soft shelled clam that is less than the minimum size prescribed at 322 CMR 6.20(2).
Soft Shelled Clam means that species of mollusk known as Mya arenaria.
(2) Minimum Sizes.
(3) Transplanting Seed or Adult Oysters.
(4) Use of Bleach or Bleach Solutions to Harvest Razor Clams or Soft Shelled Clams. It shall be unlawful for any recreational or commercial fisherman to possess or use bleach or bleach solutions while fishing for razor clams or soft shelled clams.