Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries

Stories

Boston Harbor shellfish deemed safe after century-long ban

Lead agency for shellfish classification

For the first time in a century, shellfish from Boston Harbor are safe to eat without purification. The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries announced in January 2026 that waters near Winthrop, Hingham, and Hull now meet the federal government's strictest safety standards—allowing recreational and commercial harvesting for direct human consumption.

Updated May 22