Falmouth Recreational Shellfishing Season Delayed: Here's What To Know

Update from the Town of Falmouth: MES received an update from the MA DMF today regarding the shellfishing area opening in West Falmouth Harbor.

To date, MA DMF has collected one of the two required samples for processing. The remaining sample is scheduled to be collected on Monday, October 24, 2022.

Pending both samples meeting the criteria for the shellfish opening, the earliest anticipated opening of shellfishing in West Falmouth Harbor is Saturday, October 29, 2022.

FALMOUTH, MA — One of the best parts about living in New England is access to fresh oysters right outside your door. In Falmouth, all residents need to take advantage of that is a recreational shellfishing license.

The recreational shellfishing season opened this month in Falmouth, allowing families and individuals to search for oysters, scallops and other shellfish in certain Cape Cod waters.

This year, recreational shellfishing in Falmouth is allowed between Oct. 1 and March 31, 2023. Ten quarts of oysters are allowed per week, and they must be at least three inches in length. Oysters smaller than that must be culled from the shells of adult oysters at the harvest site.

Families are allowed one bushel per week of bay scallops.

After shucking, oyster shells must be returned to the harvest site or to the shell collection site located at the Falmouth Department of Public Works, 416 Gifford St.

According to town regulations, skin diving using mask, snorkel and fins may be used in any area. Scuba diving with air tanks is allowed in Megansett Harbor, with the exception of the Family

Shellfishing Area, Buzzards Bay, Great Harbor Woods Hole and Vineyard Sound. Skin and scuba divers are required to display a diver’s flag.

From Nov. 1 until Nov. 30 dredging will be permitted in marked navigational channels, except on the Atlantic Oyster grant in Seapit River and West Falmouth Harbor. Great Harbor and Little Harbor Woods Hole will open for dredging on Nov. 1.