Commercial Clam License Changes Take Effect Today

New commercial clam license regulations go into effect today requiring diggers to meet specific requirements in order to obtain a Islip Town Commercial Permit Hard Clam Endorsement.

In addition to having a New York State permit, diggers must meet one of the following mandates:

• The applicant was issued by Islip, and held in good standing, a Commercial Permit Hard Clam Endorsement in the previous year.

• The applicant was issued a Commercial Shellfish Harvester Permit, or Digger Permit, during any consecutive five year period while maintaining residency in the townships of Islip, Babylon or Brookhaven, and are currently residing in Islip Town. Applicants must show proof of permits and residency.

• The applicant was eligible for a Commercial Permit Hard Clam Endorsement in the previous year but was unable to apply due to Active Duty Military Service. Applicants must have an Active Military ID as proof.

• The applicant is age sixty (60) or older at the time of application.

If an applicant meets none of the above but has a valid New York State Digger’s Permit, they will be placed on a numbered waiting list. If the town has not sold 50 commercial clam licenses by August 9, 2012, the waiting list will be activated. Individuals on the waiting list will be notified and will have two business days to retrieve their permit from the town clerk’s office.

Recreational Shellfish Permits, including both Personal and Senior Permits, can also be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office beginning July 9, 2012.

Recreational Clam Permit holders have a new daily limit, effective July 9th, that allows 100 total shellfish, legal size 1” across hinge, to be taken per day, not the half bushel as previously allowed.

Recreational licenses issued before July 9, 2012 will abide by the previous regulation for the remainder of the licensing year only. The Hard Clam Endorsement Permit year is from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. If a permit is obtained mid-year, the permit is still only valid until December 31, 2012.

Prices for permits are as follows:

Commercial

Regular Permit: $75.00

Senior Commercial: $25.00 - 60 and older

Active Military Discount: $25.00 with proof of Active Military Status

Recreational

Regular Permit: $5.00

Senior Recreational: Free - 60 and older

Active Military Discount: Free with proof of Active Military Status