Shellfish & Clamming
Mississippi Shellfish License 2026
Requirements, fees, and regulations for harvesting clams, oysters, and mussels in Mississippi. Mississippi manages oyster and clam harvesting along its Gulf Coast. A saltwater fishing license is required for recreational shellfish harvest from public areas.
Clam Season Open
Oyster Available
2026 License Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Recreational Fee
$10.00
Saltwater fishing license covers recreational shellfish; commercial requires separate shellfish endorsement.
Commercial Fee
$175.00
Commercial license
Daily Limit
2 gallons oysters (shucked) or ½ sack (in shell) per person per day
Per harvester
Clam Season
Open
Check current closures
Shellfish Species
Shellfish Available in Mississippi
Species availability depends on coastal habitat, water quality, and active management programs.
Clams ✓
Oysters ✓
Mussels
Step-by-Step
How to Get a Shellfish License in Mississippi
1
Verify Open Areas
Before purchasing a license, check that shellfish beds in your target area are currently open. Mississippi Dept. of Marine Resources maintains an up-to-date list of approved harvesting areas. Water quality closures can occur quickly after rain events.
2
Purchase Your License
Purchase online at Mississippi Dept. of Marine Resources, or in person at authorized license agents throughout Mississippi.
Recreational fee: $10.00.
3
Know Your Limits
Daily limit in Mississippi: 2 gallons oysters (shucked) or ½ sack (in shell) per person per day.
Size minimums also apply — undersized shellfish must be returned to the water. Keep your license on your person while harvesting.
4
Harvest Responsibly
Use appropriate gear (clam rakes, oyster tongs) and handle shellfish carefully to minimize disturbance to the surrounding habitat. Replace any rocks or substrate you disturb and never harvest from closed or unclassified waters.
Requirements
Mississippi Shellfish License Requirements
Mississippi saltwater fishing license required 16+. Harvest only from open public reefs.
Important Notes
Mississippi-Specific Information
Mississippi's oyster and shellfish harvest in the Mississippi Sound is jointly overseen by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) and the Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH), which conduct water-quality and biotoxin testing throughout the year. Recreational shellfish harvest requires a valid Mississippi Fishing License; oyster harvest is typically permitted only in designated open areas published by MDMR, and harvesting from closed or restricted areas is a Class I misdemeanor. Commercial shellfish operations in Mississippi require a Commercial Oyster or Shellfish License issued by MDMR, and all shellfish must be tagged with harvest location and date in compliance with federal Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference (ISSC) standards.
Source: Mississippi Dept. of Marine Resources (www.dmr.ms.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current water quality closures and regulations directly with Mississippi Dept. of Marine Resources before harvesting.