Stevensville Man Cited for Clamming in Protected Cove

Talbot County, MD - On July 21, 2026, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers responded to Claiborne Cove in Talbot County, Maryland after reports of a commercial clamming boat working inside a protected area.

The zone is set aside to protect submerged aquatic vegetation, often called SAV.

Officers watched the boat and measured its distance from fixed markers, SAV markers, and buoys. The measurements helped confirm the vessel was working inside the protected zone.

DNR hydrographers later reviewed the numbers. They confirmed the boat had been operating inside the SAV area.

The boat's operator, a 71-year-old man from Stevensville, was cited for using a hydraulic clam dredge inside a protected zone.

The charge is a must appear offense, meaning he is required to go to court, and it carries a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense.