Municipal authorities in Riverhead have enacted administrative changes to the town’s maritime licensing regulations, updating the fee structure governing recreational shellfishing across local waterways. Following a public hearing and formal approval by the Town Board, the amendments modify Chapter 293 of the municipal code, establishing new permit requirements for both full-time residents and seasonal visitors harvesting clams, scallops, oysters, and other marine life.

Under the prior regulatory framework, permanent Riverhead residents were entitled to annual harvesting permits at zero cost, while non-resident temporary permits were issued under a staggered multi-tier duration system. The newly adopted legislation shifts away from free resident licensing and streamlines non-resident access into standardized 30-day term windows, bringing municipal oversight into closer alignment with broader East End coastal management practices.

Town officials classified the code update as a Type II action under state environmental review guidelines, allowing the revised permitting system to proceed directly to implementation through the Town Clerk’s office. Clammers and recreational harvesters are encouraged to review updated fee schedules and seasonal harvesting limits before heading out onto town-managed bottomlands.

Long Island Parks:
https://liparks.com/articles/riverhead-adopts-shellfish-permit-fee-changes/_11512/

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