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Wellfleet sustains both aquaculturally grown and wild shellfish. Although many species of
shellfish can be found in Wellfleet's waters, the famous Oysters and Quahogs are the
most frequently grown and collected. Other Species that are also common, are Razor
Clams, Bay Scallops, Blue Mussels, and Steamers. Learn more about the different
shellfish species in our area.
Wellfleets geography, with meandering salt marshes and expansive tidal flats provide the
perfect habitat for most mollusks. Wellfleet has a 10' tidal change from high tide to low
tide. This provides a steady supply of nutrients and food for the shellfish to thrive. The
Herring River basin is now the focus of a national marsh restoration project, that if
completed as expected could add acres of shellfish habitat, which has been choked off by
a dyke since the 1920s. Wellfleet Harbor is protected by Great Island, a barrier beach
jutting out into Cape Cod bay.
The Aquaculture farms are primarily found on Indian Neck and Mayo Beaches, on the bay
side in Wellfleet. These farms are a great source of sustainable food. Wellfleet harbor is
tested frequently, to ensure the top quality of our water. Oysters and Quahogs are the
primary species aquaculturally grown. These mollusks also provide an added beneficial
side effect, they clean the water. These bi-valves actively filter the water in which they
live in, absorbing excess nutrients and waste. You can say that aquaculture is completly
green. No chemicals are used in the growing process, oysters and clams are simply
tended until they reach maturity. Nature does it all!
shellfish can be found in Wellfleet's waters, the famous Oysters and Quahogs are the
most frequently grown and collected. Other Species that are also common, are Razor
Clams, Bay Scallops, Blue Mussels, and Steamers. Learn more about the different
shellfish species in our area.
Wellfleets geography, with meandering salt marshes and expansive tidal flats provide the
perfect habitat for most mollusks. Wellfleet has a 10' tidal change from high tide to low
tide. This provides a steady supply of nutrients and food for the shellfish to thrive. The
Herring River basin is now the focus of a national marsh restoration project, that if
completed as expected could add acres of shellfish habitat, which has been choked off by
a dyke since the 1920s. Wellfleet Harbor is protected by Great Island, a barrier beach
jutting out into Cape Cod bay.
The Aquaculture farms are primarily found on Indian Neck and Mayo Beaches, on the bay
side in Wellfleet. These farms are a great source of sustainable food. Wellfleet harbor is
tested frequently, to ensure the top quality of our water. Oysters and Quahogs are the
primary species aquaculturally grown. These mollusks also provide an added beneficial
side effect, they clean the water. These bi-valves actively filter the water in which they
live in, absorbing excess nutrients and waste. You can say that aquaculture is completly
green. No chemicals are used in the growing process, oysters and clams are simply
tended until they reach maturity. Nature does it all!
It is important to remember that shellfishing is an important economic industry. Proper
attention should be paid to the local and state regulations. It is common for the rules to
differ from town to town. Make sure you have the proper licenses before harvesting any
shellfish. TOWN RULES & REGULATIONS
attention should be paid to the local and state regulations. It is common for the rules to
differ from town to town. Make sure you have the proper licenses before harvesting any
shellfish. TOWN RULES & REGULATIONS
Pirate Shellfish owes its creation to the vital shellfishing industry that
our town of Wellfleet fosters.
Wellfleet shellfish have long been regarded as the World's best. Our
oysters can be found in restaurants throughout the World.
our town of Wellfleet fosters.
Wellfleet shellfish have long been regarded as the World's best. Our
oysters can be found in restaurants throughout the World.
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| Wellfleetian's Guide to Shellfishing |
Shellfish Links
Watch how oysters
are culled. The
work doesn't stop
when the tide
comes in! Watch
more videos about
oystering on our
aquaculture page!
are culled. The
work doesn't stop
when the tide
comes in! Watch
more videos about
oystering on our
aquaculture page!