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New York shellfish & crabs size limits and seasons

7 species, 2026 rules for state waters. Tap a species for every zone, the exact NYSDEC wording and a keeper check. Updated 2026-10-04. All 48 New York species A–Z →

Species	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
American Lobster	Open year-round	3.375–5.25 inch slot	6 per person per day
Bay Scallop	November 2 – March 31	2.25 inch minimum	1 bushel per day
Blue Crab	Open year-round	4.5 inch minimum	50 per person per day
Hard Clam	Open year-round	1 inch minimum	100 clams per day (1 bushel combined shellfish)
Oyster	Open year-round	3 inch minimum	½ bushel per day
Soft Clam	Open year-round	1.5 inch minimum	½ bushel per day
Whelk	Open year-round	5.5 inch minimum	24 per person per day