Commercial diggers are also required to purchase a state license that allows them to sell what they dig. They are also given a number to tag their clams. This enables the state to track the clams back to the digger and clam flat should anything happen. Commercial clam diggers will sell their clams to the buyer who will pay the highest price. Some diggers sell to the Pine Point Co-Op, Portland Waterfront, restaurants, area seafood distributors, etc.
Some buyers even send a refrigerator truck right to the clam flats to pick up the clams.
They do not need a state license to sell because by being a Recreational license holder they are prohibited from selling anything they take. Student Commercial licenses are very unique. Students must be between the ages of 14 and 18, and they must pass all their school classes. This year 11 student commercial licenses were awarded by lottery. The goal of this program is to teach the student about clamming and to be sure they will use their license.