Shellfish like clams and oysters feed by filtering gallons of water every day, and that means when there are pollutants in the water (say, from heavy rainfall), It’s best to wait a while before harvesting is resumed.

The map is constantly updated with areas in green on the map not only telling you where harvesting is allowed, but where it’s currently safe.

And you’ll be happy to know you don’t need a license to harvest clams, and can take up to one bushel per person. About 400 littleneck clams make a bushel, or about 150 cherrystone clams.

So save the link and check often, and happy clamming!