Oak Bluffs Shellfish Department

09/14/2026

Good Morning! 🌧️

Due to recent rainfall, Sengekontacket Pond is currently under a rainfall closure. Shellfishing is prohibited throughout the pond for a minimum of five days.

Lagoon Pond remains OPEN to shellfishing at this time.

We will provide an update once the Sengekontacket closure has been lifted. Thank you for your cooperation!

08/28/2026

GOOD NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT: We just received word from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, that the results of this past Tuesdays water sampling of Sengekontacket have been completed and the pond has tested CLEAN.

As a result the pond is now OPEN to shellfishing on both the Oak Bluffs and Edgartown side.

08/19/2026

08/18/2026

Sengekontacket update: Last week, with the assistance of a Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Biologist, we re-tested the entirety of Sengekontacket. Unfortunately, numerous of the sampling stations still returned results that were too "hot" for us to re-open the pond for shellfishing.

While this is not the result that any of us were hoping for, we will continue to monitor the pond and test as frequently as the protocols allow.

The Lagoon remains open at this time.

07/18/2026

PLEASE stop shellfishing in Sengekontacket until the closure has been lifted! We have been having too many people ignoring the red flags, and postings! The last thing we want to do is issue fines or summons. This is a public health issue and recent sampling as recent as yesterday has shown that the pond has not flushed enough to be re opened to Shellfishing. We are asking the public to spread the word and let us know or the Comms Center know if they see anyone Shellfishing.

On a positive note the Lagoon has tested clean and is wide open for your clamming desires!

07/08/2026

Due to yesterdays unexpected heavy rain fall, ALL shellfishing in any waters of Oak Bluffs is closed until further notice. This includes Senge, the Lagoon, and all outside waters.

07/03/2026

On a hot hot hot 4th of July weekend the Department would like to remind everyone shellfishing to keep both themselves and their catch cool.
Shellfishing can be a strenuous activity and the reflections from the sun on the water can exacerbate that stress. We encourage people to:
• drink water
• limit alcohol
• avoid heavy activity in the heat
• take breaks in the shade or air conditioning
• keep food/clams cold and throw it out if it was left in the heat for too long

When you harvest your catch remember that leaving it in the sun for even a little bit can lead to rapid bacteria growth that can cause illness.
Use a cooler or keep your catch submerged in the water. When you get home, if any of your clams are open DO NOT eat them even if you cook them.
We hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th weekend!

06/23/2026

Good Morning!
Unfortunately, due to the rainfall we received Sengekontacket pond has been placed in a rainfall closure. The pond will be closed to all Shellfishing for a minimum five days.

06/13/2026

Save the date! All ages are welcome to join the Tisbury Shellfish Department and local shellfisherman for Family Shellfish Day, Saturday June 20th, 9am to 11am, at the Lagoon Pond Family Area.

Learn how to quahog, the importance of shellfish, ponds ecology, and how you can become a good steward of the pond. No experience necessary for this free event! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear appropriate clothing for wading in the water and being exposed to the sun (bring sunblock).

To sign up, email: [email protected].

06/05/2026

The rainfall closure has been lifted, and Sengekontacket Pond is once again OPEN to shellfishing. Happy harvesting! 🦪