For fishing year 2019 (January 1–December 31, 2019), the quota will remain 3.4 million bushels for surfclams, 5.33 million bushels for ocean quahogs, and 100,000 Maine bushels for Maine ocean quahogs. These quotas are unchanged from fishing year 2018. Also, the minimum size limit for surfclams is again being suspended for the 2019 fishing year.
We remind surfclam and ocean quahog fishermen that for their safety, it is important to stay informed of how to identify and react to discarded military munitions encountered while fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does it seem like the surfclam minimum size limit is suspended every year?
We have the authority to suspend the minimum size limit when our data show that most surfclams are larger than the minimum size of 4.75 inches. This is often the case, and we want to eliminate the burden of having a minimum size limit in place if it is not necessary, as allowed by the regulations.
How will I know what the quota is for future years and whether the surfclam size limit has been suspended again?
These decisions are made around the same time each year, generally in the fall, before the start of a new fishing year. We will continue to let you know through letters such as this. Check our surfclam and ocean quahog management plan or call (978) 281-9315 for more information.
