July 31, 2018 — BOSTON — The following was released by the Office of Massachusetts Senator Bruce Tarr:
The State Senate today gave final legislative approval to a plan that requires the Division of Marine Fisheries to complete a study of the current lobster fishery and provide a recommendation as to the advisability of enacting statutory or regulatory changes to allow the processing of lobster parts in Massachusetts. The report, will “provide a recommendation as to the advisability of enacting statutory and regulatory changes to allow the processing of lobster parts” for sale in the Commonwealth, is mandated to be issued before the end of the year.
Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester) successfully sponsored an amendment to direct the Division of Marine Fisheries to implement new regulations permitting on-shore processing of lobsters as part of the Senate’s environmental legislation, an act Promoting Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental And Natural Resource Protection, And Investment In Recreational Assets And Opportunity.
“I believe this study will confirm that our state, which has the second-largest lobster catch in the country, should be processing raw and frozen lobster parts in state rather than sending them to Canada or Maine only to have them brought back for our local consumers,” said Senator Tarr. “We are making progress on modernizing our lobster laws to bolster the fishing industry; give consumers, including local restaurants and food stores, more choices and better values and support coastal fishing communities.”
While the sale of live, cooked, and canned lobster is legal in the state, the legislation will expand the industry market with the inclusion of other lobster products. The amendment could permit wholesale dealers licensed by the Department of Public Health to process unfrozen lobsters, import unfrozen shell-on lobster parts and tails, and allow for the retail of previously frozen raw in-shell tails.
Tarr notes that the study could result in lifting limits on the processing, sale, and transportation of cooked and frozen in-shell lobster parts. Under existing laws, Massachusetts lobstermen and seafood vendors are required to sell or transport lobster out-of-state for processing and then bring them back for sale to consumers in the bay state – often with a ‘Product of Canada’ label.
Following a successful study, which will include an economic and market analysis, potential impacts and benefits, and an assessment of potential state and federal law enforcement issues, the Division of Marine Fisheries will make statutory recommendation.
Up to 80% of lobsters landed in the state are sent to out of state processing facilities. Industry leaders say the move will facilitate opportunities to create and grow jobs in the state.
Tarr expressed appreciation for coastal Senators Mark Montigny (D- New Bedford),Vinny deMacedo (R- Plymouth), and Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport) for their efforts to strengthen the industry and in supporting the legislation.
The lobster industry is a critical part of the Commonwealth’s economy and heritage. A similar law in Maine has boosted that state’s economy, produced local outlets for product sales, and created jobs.