Natural Resources, Harbormaster & Shellfish
Oyster Harvest Dates December 2023
The Natural Resources Department is happy to report that the Town of Brewster’s Oyster harvest at Mants Landing will continue into December!
The dates and times listed below are the scheduled harvest days, if changes need to be made because of the weather additional information will be posted on the website, and the landing and on the DNR’s Facebook page.
Sunday, December 10: 1:30 PM - 4:10 PM
Saturday, December 23: 12:45 PM - 3:30 PM
See you on the Flats!
Mission and Responsibilities
The Natural Resources Department protects and manages Brewster’s natural resources, wildlife, and waters. The Department provides public access to resources for the enjoyment of residents and visitors, and advances the sustainable use of the Town’s shellfish and coastal resources. The Department manages conservation areas, enhances water quality for shell fishing and recreation, and provides the Town’s harbormaster services.
Shellfish Permit Information
Annual shellfish permits are available for purchase in mid-January.
Shellfish permits will be available online year-round, and in-person at the Select Board Office in the off-season. During permit season (April 1st-September 15th) all permits can only be purchased through the mail-in program or online. Proof of Brewster residency and a driver's license must be provided in order to obtain resident permits.
2023 Permit Fees:
- Resident Annual Permit: $40
- Non-Resident Annual Permit: $140
- MA Veteran Annual Permit: $40
- 70+ Resident Annual Permit: $15*
- 70+ MA Veteran Annual Permit: $15*
*The Town of Brewster runs a very popular and robust stocking and shellfish program. Due to greater demand and costs, shellfish permit fees were increased for the 2023 season. In addition, we have introduced new annual permits for residents and MA veterans aged 70 years and above. These new annual permits will assist in tracking the number of times a permit has been used in a given season and in covering the operating expenses of our shellfish program. They can be purchased year-round at the Council on Aging. Please remember that only one permit per household can be issued. Commonwealth of Massachusetts veterans must provide an MA driver's license and proof of having served in the military.
At the January 9, 2023, Select Board meeting, existing Senior Shellfish Permits were grandfathered through December 31, 2023. For this year, existing Senior Shellfish Permit holders will need to reapply at the Council on Aging, at no cost. Please bring your current Senior Permit with you. All new 70+ permit applicants, including veterans over age 70, will pay an annual $15 fee effective calendar 2023.
Please click here to read our 2023 non-commercial shellfish regulations. For questions about the Town of Brewster shellfish program, please call the Natural Resources Department at 508-896-4546.
NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMISSION
For information, please visit the Natural Resources Advisory Commission.