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Trustees adopt resolution allowing weekday churning/powering for commercial clam harvests with strict area and permit limits
Summary
Trustees adopted a resolution authorizing a special commercial season (June 29–Dec 31, 2026) permitting licensed harvesters to take soft or razor clams by churning/powering on specified weekdays, subject to area restrictions, limits, inspection, and reporting requirements under town code provisions.
Trustees unanimously adopted a resolution creating a special season in trustee waters allowing holders of valid East Hampton commercial shellfish licenses to harvest soft clams and razor clams by churning or powering on Mondays through Fridays between sunrise and sunset from June 29 through Dec. 31, 2026, subject to exceptions and geographic restrictions.
The resolution cites multiple sections of the town code (including chapter 213 provisions) authorizing trustees to alter methods and dates for shellfishing and to issue special permits. The policy imposes spatial limits (no churning within 100 feet of road ends or vehicle access points, and exclusions for eelgrass beds, recent seeding/oyster gardening areas and mapped restoration sites) and harvest limits (no more than two bushels per permit holder per day, and specified containment/transport rules). Special permit holders must maintain confidential harvest logs and submit them to the trustees' office by Dec. 31, 2026, and permit applications will be accepted between June 15 and June 26, 2026.
Trustees said past permitting for limited churning had not shown detrimental effects on shellfish resources when done under conditions, and the resolution was crafted to reduce harm while allowing limited commercial opportunity. The trustees directed staff to post the notice and accept applications in the published window.
