You can apply for an Aquatic Farm Permit only during a 120-day opening established by the Department of Natural Resources. In the past this opening has occurred during January through April. The application is a consolidated packet combining all required state and federal permits. It normally takes 10 months to go through the regulatory process. A growing area classification must be completed before shellfish may be harvested for sale.
Classification is a two-part process, the water quality survey and shoreline survey.
The water quality survey consists of the collection of water samples that are taken from designated stations. The number of water samples can vary from 15 to 30 depending on the area classification. Fifteen samples are required for a remote area with no human habitation, whereas thirty remote area with no human habitation, whereas 30 samples are required for an approved area where human habitation is present. The shoreline sanitary survey is a physical onsite evalution of all actual and potential sources of pollution that may affect the growing area. Water samples may be taken during the shoreline survey.