Saving Seafood

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $1.2 Million to Support Fishing Industry

December 15, 2025 — The following was released by Mass.gov

The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today nearly $1.2 million to support programs and projects that will boost the competitiveness of commercial fisheries. The Massachusetts Fisheries Innovation Fund will directly support the commercial fishing industry to develop modified fishing gear for use in offshore wind areas, address vessel safety around infrastructure, and boost consumer awareness and preference for local, healthy Massachusetts seafood.

“Massachusetts is home to a nation-leading seafood industry and thriving blue economy. Investing in the strength and resilience of our commercial fishing industry is crucial to sustain our local economies and coastal culture,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We are proud to support our commercial fishers, who provide us with healthy, delicious seafood, all while finding ways to advance innovative research.”

“The Massachusetts Fisheries Innovation Fund will help ensure the profitability and resiliency of our fisheries for generations to come,” said Department of Fish & Game (DFG) Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “This will directly support researchers, fishers, and industry advocates navigating offshore wind development in coastal waters. From commercial fishers to for-hire vessels to shoreside businesses, all will benefit from this unique opportunity for innovation and growth.”

“The Division of Marine Fisheries continues to strive to facilitate the coexistence of our state’s vibrant fisheries with the ongoing development of offshore wind,” said Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) Director Dan McKiernan. “This funding opportunity, crafted by our Fisheries Innovation Fund Advisory Panel, will support our fishing industry to grow alongside the offshore wind industry. These grant awardees bring cooperative research experience, industry rapport, and innovative ideas, and will undoubtedly create impactful outcomes.”

The Fisheries Innovation Fund, led by a nine-member Advisory Panel made up of Massachusetts fishing industry members and administered by the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), is dedicated to promoting the coexistence of the Massachusetts commercial and for-hire fishing industry with offshore wind development. The 2025 Fisheries Innovation Fund projects will have broad-reaching positive impacts for the industry, as well as seafood consumers. A total of $700,000 will be allocated to fishing innovation projects, an additional $450,000 will go towards community resilience programs, and $60,000 will fund safety initiatives. Roughly $375,000 of these funds will serve as sub-contracts to the commercial fishing industry, with approximately $275,000 going directly to commercial fishermen. Projects will also directly collaborate with over 10 individual fishing businesses, including at least three Massachusetts commercial fishing vessels.

The 2025 Fisheries Innovation Fund grant awardees are:

  • UMass Dartmouth SMAST, Fishing Innovation, $265,984
    • Development and testing of novel lighted fish pots for black sea bass and scup, deployed within offshore wind areas, to evaluate catch rates and economic feasibility for safe, continued fishing around offshore wind infrastructure.
  • Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation, Fishing Innovation, $261,443
    • Furthering the understanding of mechanical squid jigging on commercial fishing vessels to determine the efficiency and economic viability of the gear, which is compatible with offshore wind farms.
  • New Bedford Port Authority, Community Resilience, $250,000
    • Improving the visibility and resilience of New Bedford’s fisheries, which operate in and adjacent to offshore wind farm areas, through marketing and promotional campaigns to strengthen visibility and consumer identity of New Bedford seafood landings and products.
  • FV Martha Elizabeth, Fishing Innovation, $174,908
    • Developing, testing, and monitoring innovative fish and sea scallop traps in and adjacent to offshore wind areas to determine catch and economic viability of the gear. Conceived of by, and led by a fisherman, this project is designed to create effective fishing gear for use in offshore wind areas.
  • Eating with the Ecosystem Inc., Community Resilience, $156,533
    • Public engagement events and video content featuring fishermen, chefs and home cooks on healthy, local and sustainable fish and shellfish species caught in offshore wind areas to increase public consumer awareness, acceptance, and demand.
  • Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation, Safety, $60,768
    • Collaboration with a commercial fisherman and net-maker to develop, test, and monitor different bottom trawl gear configurations to use near offshore wind cable infrastructure to address safety concerns from the fishing community.

The Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), working alongside sister agencies within EEA, helps ensure that the commercial fishing industry can remain profitable, resilient, and safe during the development of offshore wind in the region. DMF engages with the fishing industry regularly, provides easily accessible information on offshore wind development, and public comment opportunities for fishers and other stakeholders.

“The commercial fishing industry isn’t just an economic engine for Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket—it’s part of who we are. Growing up in my family’s restaurant in North Truro, I always took pride knowing the seafood on our menu had been caught by day boats just hours before. That connection between our fishermen, our coastal communities, and the food on our tables is something I cherish, and it’s something we must protect,” said State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “As offshore wind development ramps up, our fishermen deserve the tools, research, and partnerships that will help them stay safe, competitive, and resilient on the water. The Massachusetts Fisheries Innovation Fund meets the moment by investing directly in their ingenuity and expertise.”

“The fishing industry is an integral part of our economy and way of life on the Cape, Islands, and South Shore of Massachusetts,” said State Senator Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth). “The support from the Massachusetts Fisheries Innovation Fund will help our fisheries become more resilient in the face of federal cuts. As state senator for the Cape and South Shore, it’s encouraging to see the Healey-Driscoll Administration continue to invest in the blue economy that supports thousands of families across our region.”

“These targeted investments represent a powerful commitment to ensuring that Massachusetts’ commercial and for-hire fishing fleets can continue to thrive as offshore wind development expands,” said State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “By supporting cutting-edge gear innovation, strengthening community resilience, and advancing safety in and around offshore wind areas, this funding honors the essential role our fishermen play in feeding our region and sustaining our coastal economy. I’m particularly encouraged that so many of these projects are driven directly by fishermen themselves, and that substantial resources will flow straight to those who work on the water every day. This is a significant step forward in advancing renewable energy while safeguarding and strengthening the fishing industry that has sustained our coastal communities for generations.”

“I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Secretary Tepper for putting resources directly into the hands of our fishermen and local businesses to develop practical solutions. I am especially proud to see the New Bedford Port Authority receiving funding to showcase the quality and sustainability of our local seafood. Our fishermen’s expertise and dedication deserve that recognition, and our fisheries will become more resilient through the Massachusetts Fisheries Innovation Fund,” said State Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral (D-New Bedford). “New Bedford’s fishing fleet has been the backbone of our community for generations and remains the highest-value fishing port in the nation. These investments are crucial to ensuring our fishermen remain competitive while embracing new technology that will sustain this vital industry for future generations.”

“New Bedford has long been the most profitable fishing port in the United States, generating hundreds of millions in landings each year and serving as an anchor of the South Coast economy,” said State Representative Chris Hendricks (D-New Bedford). “As our fishermen confront the growing challenges of offshore wind development and shifting ocean conditions, this $1.2 million in funding is not just timely, but essential. These investments will help ensure that New Bedford’s commercial fishing industry continues to modernize, stay competitive, and thrive for decades to come.”

“Commercial fishing isn’t just one of Massachusetts’ oldest industries, it’s the backbone of so many coastal communities, including some that I represent,” said State Representative Kathleen LaNatra (D-Kingston). “Our fishermen have weathered generations of change, and they continue to adapt in an environment that grows more challenging every year. This investment helps ensure they have the tools, research, and support needed to stay safe, competitive, and successful. As House Chair of the Coastal Caucus, I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Division of Marine Fisheries for their continued commitment to the people who make their living on the water.”

“Fishing is a cornerstone of the economy across the Cape and Islands, and the Massachusetts Fisheries Innovation Fund will help our beloved fisheries and fishermen adapt and thrive. Thank you, Healey-Driscoll Administration and Secretary Tepper, for directing these funds to bolster one of our most significant local industries and for your dedication to preserving our State’s character,” said State Representative Hadley Luddy (D-Orleans).

Despite threats from fellow fishermen, lobstermen press Mass. to allow ropeless fishing in closed areas

February 1, 2022 — The lobstermen viewed themselves as trailblazers, even calling themselves “Pioneers for a Thoughtful Coexistence.” That was before fellow fishermen threatened to burn their boats and accused them of trying to steal their catch.

In an effort to prove that there’s a way for their industry to resume fishing in coastal waters where Massachusetts banned lobstering to protect endangered whales, they have asked regulators to allow them to set their traps without vertical buoy lines. Those heavy ropes, which connect traps on the seafloor to buoys on the surface, have entangled large numbers of North Atlantic right whales, scientists say, seriously injuring or killing the critically endangered species.

If the state approves their proposal, which has received support from right whale scientists and environmental groups, it would be the first time commercial lobster fishing would be allowed without buoy lines in any state waters.

“I’ve been trying my best to get our guys back fishing,” said Michael Lane, 46, a lobsterman who fishes 800 traps out of Cohasset. “I’ve seen so much taken away from us, for years; it’s nice to finally have the chance to see something going in the right direction. This could be a win for the fishing community.”

To protect right whales, some areas along the coast, such as Cape Cod Bay, have since 2015 been closed to lobster fishing between February and May, when large numbers of them feed in those waters. As the decline of the whales’ population has accelerated — scientists estimate their numbers are down 30 percent in the last decade — federal officials pressured the state to act. As a result, state officials last year expanded the three-month ban on traditional lobster fishing to most of its coastal waters.

“I do not expect to issue a decision for a few more weeks,” said Dan McKiernan, director of the state Division of Marine Fisheries.

He declined to comment on whether he’s inclined to permit ropeless fishing. “I am still gathering information from staff and considering the extensive comments,” he said.

After years of protesting the annual closures, officials at the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association urged McKiernan to reject the pioneers’ proposal, arguing that it could lead to “catastrophic” conflicts with other fisheries.

Read the full story at The Boston Globe

Electronic tracking system considered for lobstermen in federal waters

August 13, 2021 — The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is considering requiring electronic tracking for the lobstermen who fish in federal waters.

The commission’s American Lobster Management Board initiated a draft addendum last week with the goal of collecting spatial and effort data from lobster and Jonah crab fishermen.

“In my opinion, this is the single most important thing the American Lobster Board can do to ensure the viability of the American lobster fishery,” said Dan McKiernan, the board’s chairman. “Through the proposed action, the board seeks to significantly improve our understanding of stock status, identify areas where lobster fishing effort might present a risk to endangered North Atlantic right whales and provide important information to help reduce spatial conflicts with other ocean uses, such as wind energy development and aquaculture.”

The management board has expressed interest in implementing these types of requirements over the last few years and has supported efforts to look into the systems and technology that would be needed to collect the data.

In May, the board created a working group that had representatives of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, state and federal law enforcement and members of the board to study electronic tracking. The working group recommended that data be reported at a minimum rate of one ping per minute for at least 90 percent of the fishing trip in order to tell the difference between when the fishermen are lobstering and when they are in transit. It would also be able to calculate the number of traps per trawl.  Cellular tracking devices are the preferred technology for the tracking.

Read the full story at The Ellsworth American

Electronic tracking considered for offshore lobster fishery 

August 10, 2021 — The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is considering requiring electronic tracking for the lobstermen who fish in federal waters.

The commission’s American Lobster Management Board initiated a draft addendum last week with the goal of collecting spatial and effort data from lobster and Jonah crab fishermen.

“In my opinion, this is the single most important thing the American Lobster Board can do to ensure the viability of the American lobster fishery,” said Dan McKiernan, the board’s chairman. “Through the proposed action, the Board seeks to significantly improve our understanding of stock status, identify areas where lobster fishing effort might present a risk to endangered North Atlantic right whales, and provide important information to help reduce spatial conflicts with other ocean uses, such as wind energy development and aquaculture.”

The management board has expressed interest in implementing these types of requirements over the last few years and has supported efforts to look into the systems and technology that would be needed to collect the data.

Read the full story at the Mount Desert Islander

ASMFC American Lobster Board Initiates Draft Addendum XXIX

August 4, 2021 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s American Lobster Management Board initiated Draft Addendum XXIX to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster. The Draft Addendum considers implementing electronic tracking requirements for federally-permitted vessels in the American lobster and Jonah crab fishery, with the goal of collecting high resolution spatial and temporal effort data.

“In my opinion, this is the single most important thing the American Lobster Board can do to ensure the viability of the American lobster fishery,” stated Board Chair Dan McKiernan from Massachusetts. “Through the proposed action, the Board seeks to significantly improve our understanding of stock status, identify areas where lobster fishing effort might present a risk to endangered North Atlantic right whales, and provide important information to help reduce spatial conflicts with other ocean uses, such as wind energy development and aquaculture.”

A number of challenges facing the fishery (e.g., rising water temperatures, protected species interactions, reduced recruitment) present a critical need for the collection of enhanced spatial and temporal data via electronic tracking devices in the offshore fishery. The stock assessment models that estimate exploitation and abundance for American lobster could be greatly improved with these data, as they would provide size composition data at a finer resolution than what is currently available. Additionally, the models used to assess the location of vertical lines in the fishery and their associated risk to endangered right whales could be substantially improved with vessel tracking data, which could impact federal risk reduction requirements for the fishery. Better understanding the footprint of the U.S. lobster fishery will also be vital to ocean planning efforts to minimize spatial conflicts with other ocean uses such as aquaculture, marine protected areas, and offshore energy development, as well as provide fishery managers tools to help maintain industry fishing grounds. Furthermore, vessel tracking could improve the efficiency and efficacy of offshore law enforcement efforts.

Draft Addendum XXIX will propose specifications for tracking devices to ensure the collected data meet both management and assessment needs. These specifications include data reporting rates, preferred technologies, and minimum standards for tracking devices. Implementation timelines, as well as budgetary and staff resource needs will be further discussed as the Draft Addendum is developed. For more information, please contact Caitlin Starks, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at cstarks@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.

MASSACHUSETTS: Expanded commercial season for black sea bass proposed

August 3, 2021 — The state Division of Marine Fisheries is looking to add more open fishing days to the 2021 commercial black sea bass schedule, as well as increase trip catch limits.

The in-season adjustments, for which DMF is seeking public comment, are designed to provide fishermen with more access to the coveted stock and guard against fishing days lost to inclement fall weather.

Under current 2021 regulations, the commercial black sea bass schedule calls for three open fishing days per week — Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Under the new proposals, open fishing would be allowed five days per week, Sunday through Thursday, effective Aug. 30.

Then, effective Oct. 1, the state would eliminate all closed fishing days and allow commercial harvesting of black sea bass seven days per week until the end of the season.

“This will provide the commercial fishery with additional access to the quota during the fall period to account for potential days lost to weather, as this small boat fishery is frequently limited by worsening fall weather,” DMF stated in the solicitation for public comment.

Read the full story at the Gloucester Daily Times

$23.6M in fish aid coming to Massachusetts

April 2, 2021 — Elements of the Massachusetts seafood industry are set to receive another $23.6 million as part of continuing federal and state efforts to mitigate the detrimental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Massachusetts allocation represents 9% of the total $255 million in new federal fisheries assistance funding and supplements the $28 million allocated to the Bay State fishing industry from the CARES Act in March 2020.

“It’s basically the same as the first round,” said Dan McKiernan, director of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. “We’re being urged to get the money out as quickly as possible.”

McKiernan expects the process for distributing the money to be almost identical that in 2020 when the state distributed the $28 million from the CARES Act appropriation.

As in 2020, the Massachusetts allocation is the third largest among all states. Only Alaska and Washington, at $40 million each, received more.

Elsewhere in New England, Maine was fifth among all states with a $17.14 million allocation. New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut each received $3 million.

Read the full story at the Gloucester Daily Times

MASSACHUSETTS: Fish panel bans inshore lobstering during whale migration

January 28, 2021 — The Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission on Thursday approved additional protections for the endangered North Atlantic right whales, including a three-and-a-half month trap gear closure throughout state waters and mandated use of weaker buoy lines.

Meeting via webinar, the MFAC overwhelmingly approved five of the six recommendations presented by the state Division of Marine Fisheries, setting the stage for a hectic start to the state’s 2021 lobster fishing season.

“We think this is surgical and appropriate,” DMF Director Dan McKiernan told commission members. “We believe this is the most responsible way to manage this fishery.”

As the state faces challenges on two fronts — the federal take reduction team initiative to stem whale entanglements and deaths and ongoing federal litigation that names Massachusetts as a defendant in a lawsuit filed under the Endangered Species Act — the commission approved:

* A Feb. 1 to May 15 closure to commercial trap gear in all state waters — including off Cape Ann — to help mitigate whale entanglements, injuries and deaths during the period when the right whales are most prevalent in state waters. The closure is roughly two weeks longer than DMF’s initial recommendation, but the measure gives DMF the power to lift all or part of the closure between May 1 and 15 “based on the presence and absence of right whales.”

Read the full story at the Gloucester Daily Times

Decision due next week on seasonal lobstering ban

January 25, 2021 — In China, 2021 is down as the Year of the Ox. In the cold waters off the coast of New England, it is shaping up as the Year of the Whale. The North Atlantic right whale.

Federal regulators, through the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction team, and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries have proposed a series of overlapping new protections for the imperiled species that will have a significant impact on the region’s lobster industry.

In Massachusetts, lobstermen will find out next week whether the state will implement DMF’s recommendations for state waters that include a new seasonal closure on all lobstering from February to May — the time period of the annual migration and feeding along the Massachusetts coast by the whales whose numbers are estimated to have dropped below 400.

The Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission is set to meet Thursday morning via zoom. DMF Director Dan McKiernan will present the agency’s recommendations — which also include the utilization of weaker, break-away vertical buoy lines to help mitigate gear entanglements — and the commission will vote.

Read the full story at the Gloucester Daily Times

MASSACHUSETTS: In a major effort to protect endangered whales, state officials plan to ban lobster fishing for several months a year

December 18, 2020 — In a major step to protect North Atlantic right whales, state officials are poised to ban lobster fishing in all Massachusetts waters during periods when the critically endangered species typically feeds in the region.

The proposed restrictions, which could be devastating for hundreds of fixed-gear fishermen from Buzzards Bay to Ipswich Bay, would prevent commercial lobstermen from setting their traps between February and May, and potentially longer if whales remain offshore. They would also require the state’s 800 lobstermen to use special rope that breaks more easily under pressure from whales, limit the state’s recreational lobster catch, and curtail the use of vertical mesh lines known as gillnets.

State officials said the rules, which were proposed a few weeks after scientists estimated that there are only about 356 right whales remaining, are likely to take effect as soon as February, after a public comment period.

“The draft regulations are designed to reduce the risk of endangered whales becoming entangled in fixed fishing gear,” said Dan McKiernan, director of the Division of Marine Fisheries who noted during recent online hearings that 32 right whales have died and another 14 have sustained life-threatening injuries since 2017.

Read the full story at The Boston Globe