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Shellfishing

A large group of adults and children standing at the edge of Herring River. They carry a NSRWA banner, as well as signs that read

The shellfish beds in both the North and South Rivers are now open for the 2025-2026 season! The season extends from November 1st to May 31st. Occasionally, temporary closures occur, due to pollution. (We will update this listing if that happens.) The shellfish beds in both rivers typically close for the season from June 1 to October 31. See below for maps and permit info.

The maps below indicate which areas are open for shellfishing, in season. The red areas are always closed, the blue areas are open seasonally, and the blue cross-hatched areas are only open March through May.

Shellfishing Permit Notes:

In order to shellfish on the North or South River, you must first obtain an annual shellfishing permit. Those under 16 years of age do not need a permit, but must be accompanied by a permit holder. Fees vary. Veterans may obtain a license at no cost.

  • For a Scituate Shellfish Permit, visit the Scituate Town Clerk office at 600 Chief Justice Cushing Highway. For information, call 781-545-8743. Current (2024) fees are $20 for Scituate residents, $50 for non-residents. There is no fee for Scituate residents age 65+.
  • For a Marshfield Shellfish Permit, visit the Marshfield Harbormaster office at 100 Central Street (at the Marshfield Town Pier). For information, call 781-834-8298. Current (2024) fees are $20 for Marshfield residents, $50 for non-residents. There is no fee for Marshfield residents age 65+.
  • ALL State resident veterans are eligible to obtain a permit at the town rates of $20.00 dollars.
  • There is reciprocity between Marshfield and Scituate. If you have a Marshfield shellfishing permit, it will be honored in Scituate and vice versa, so there is no need to purchase two permits.
  • When you receive your permit, you will be provided a placard to place in your car while you are shellfishing. You will also receive a brochure that outlines the updated rules and regulations.
  • Permits are yearly, so you must purchase a new permit at the beginning of the calendar year.
  • Shellfishing is open 7 days a week, but is not permitted when the ambient temperature is under 32 degrees F.
  • The towns have posted signage to indicate where the closure areas are located.

Additional Tips:

Access: Most of the North and South Rivers shellfish beds are accessible only by water, however, there is an area adjacent to Damon’s Point that you may be able to access on foot at low tide.

Gear: A shellfish rake and basket are the standard gear, along with rubber boots or other footwear suitable for water and mud.

Attire: Bear in mind that shellfishing involves squatting or kneeling in wet sand or mud. Neoprene waders or a wetsuit are ideal the cooler months, along with neoprene gloves.

A man digging for clams at low tide on the South River.As a local non-profit organization, we depend on your support to make this amazing listing possible. We work everyday on your behalf to protect our local waters through education, outdoor engagement, and river restoration projects. Please support our work with a gift today. Thank you!

More Shellfishing Info

The NSRWA’s role in opening shellfish beds

In spring of 2011, the South River shellfish beds reopened after twenty years of closures. Over the past two decades, we have together worked with the Towns of Scituate and Marshfield to improve water quality by increasing treatment of polluted runoff from rainstorms; upgrading septic systems; and extending the sewer system in Marshfield. Over the past 5 years, in order to open the beds the water quality had to be tested consistently to prove that water quality had improved to safe shellfishing levels. The town of Marshfield’s Harbormaster stepped up to help ensure that the Division of Marine Fisheries could collect that data consistently. We appreciate both the Town of Marshfield and Division of Marine Fisheries persistence in making the opening a reality. And of course thank you to our members for supporting the cause of cleaner water!

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Roht Marine and Ships Store

Address: 2205 Main St, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA

Parking: Private marina with limited parking at 2205 Main Street (Route 3A), Marshfield.

Size: 3 acres

Duxbury Town Pier

Address: 35 Mattakeeset Ct, Duxbury, MA, USA

Parking: Limited on-site parking.

Kingston Town Pier

Address: 45 River St, Kingston, MA 02364, USA

Parking: On-site parking at 45 River Street. Town of Kingston Parking or Transfer Station sticker is required.

Duxbury Beach Reservation

Address: 260 Gurnet Rd, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA

Parking: In season, the large on-site parking area requires resident sticker. After Labor Day, parking is free and open to the public. In season non-resident parking (for a fee) is available at Duxbury Beach Park, immediately adjacent.

Size: 4 miles of beach

Powder Point Bridge

Address: 370 Powder Point Ave, Duxbury, MA 02332, USA

Parking: Small on-site public parking lot at the western end of the bridge at 370 Powder Point Ave.

Size: 2200 feet

Marshfield Town Landing

Address: 1176 Ferry St, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA

Parking: Public parking for cars at 1176 Ferry Street. Trailer parking requires daily or annual launch sticker from Marshfield Harbormaster.

Size: 1 acre

Norwell Town Landing

Address: 67 Bridge St, Norwell, MA 02061, USA

Parking: Limited on-site parking for Norwell residents. Green Norwell recycling sticker required. On residents, visit the Marshfield Launch, across the river.

Union Street Bridge

Address: 67 Bridge St, Norwell, MA 02061, USA

Parking: Limited parking on Marshfield side. Limited on-site parking on the Norwell side with Norwell residents with green recycling sticker.

Marshfield Launch and Brooks-Tilden Shipyard

Address: 1361 Union St, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA

Parking: Limited on-site parking at 1361 Union Street.

Size: 15 acres

Damon’s Point

Address: 299 Damons Point Rd, Marshfield, MA 02050, USA

Parking: Limited public on-site parking at the end of Damon's Point Road. Marshfield beach sticker required for most spots.

Driftway Conservation Park

Address: Conservation Park, Driftway, Scituate, MA, USA

Parking: On site parking lot at 251 Driftway.

Size: 334 acres

The Spit

Parking: Primarily accessed by boat. There is no public parking close to The Spit.

Size: Size varies considerably, depending on the tide.