§ 57-21. Soft or steamer clams (Mya arenaria).  


Latest version.
  • A. 
    Implements or devices employed. Soft-shelled clams may be taken only by implements known as shovels, forks, hoes and tongs, except that the propeller of a boat may be used for churning said clams on any bar or shoreline that does not fall dry at the ordinary tide.
    B. 
    Size.
    (1) 
    No soft clam less than 1 1/2 inches in length, as measured on the longest dimension, shall be possessed or taken from Town-owned land. All soft clams taken which shall be less than 1 1/2 inches in length shall be immediately returned to said lands from which taken and left there.
    (2) 
    Soft clams which are not permitted to be taken pursuant to this subsection may compose not to exceed 3% per container of the total catch when unavoidably taken. Such 3% may be determined by the measurement of any container of soft clams taken from the catch.
    C. 
    All Town-owned lands from which soft-shelled clams are taken by use of shovels, forks, hoes or tongs shall be restored to their original condition immediately following the taking of such shellfish. This provision shall not apply to soft-shell clams taken by churning with the propeller of a boat.