Saving Seafood

MASSACHUSETTS: Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Hiring Recreational Fisheries Surveyors for 2026 Season

February 12, 2026 — The following was released by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries:

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is currently hiring Recreational Fisheries Surveyors for the 2026 season. We are seeking seven (7) surveyors for the South Shore, Cape Cod and Islands, and three (3) for the North Shore.

Links to the postings in MassCareers are provided below:

These seasonal positions run from April through November, with training scheduled for the last week of March. While we will review applications on a rolling basis until the roles are filled, first consideration will be given to candidates who apply within the first 14 days of the posting.

MASSACHUSETTS: New state regulation allows easier cleanup of ‘ghost’ fishing gear

February 2, 2026 — For decades, environmental advocates and fishermen have found themselves in a bind.

Private property rights over fishing gear made it impossible for communities to clean up rope, lines, and equipment that had been abandoned in the open ocean — even as the gear piled up, snaring endangered wildlife and forming floating islands of synthetic fibers.

Starting Jan. 30, however, new state regulations from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) allow local communities to clean up marine fishing gear debris freely, the first step to eliminating what advocates call the “ghost gear” floating in New England’s waters.

Prior to the new rule, fishermen retained ownership rights of all fishing gear still in the water, regardless of its condition or how long it had been left to sea. Any attempt to interfere with or remove that gear by someone outside of DMF or the state environmental police constituted a rights violation. Volunteers and municipalities, meanwhile, could only remove debris that had washed ashore with state agencies’ permission — debris that still piles up by the tons on Massachusetts’ coastlines.

It’s a small change with a whale-sized impact, advocates say, and not a moment too soon. On Jan. 27, researchers found the first recorded North Atlantic right whale death of the year, a four-year-old male that had been fatally injured after getting entangled in fishing gear.

Read the full article at The New Bedford Light

MASSACHUSETTS: State officials release updated regulations targeting fishing gear debris

January 30, 2026 — State officials have announced new regulations for the cleanup of fishing gear debris, to go into effect as of Friday, January 30, 2026. 

The new regulations will serve to rewrite old laws affording gear with property rights – a relic of the days when biodegradable wooden lathe traps made up a significant portion of in-use fishing gear – and will permit local leaders, community organizations, and partner groups to cleanup derelict gear, 9% or more of which is lost each year. 

The decision was informed by a report produced by the Derelict Gear Task Force, a collaboration of state, fishing industry, and conservation partners established by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries in 2022. 

Read the full article at CapeCod.com

MASSACHSUETTS: Healey-Driscoll Administration Expands Opportunities for Cleanup of Fishing Gear Debris

January 27, 2026 — The following was released by Mass.gov:

Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced new state regulations to clean up fishing gear debris to protect marine biodiversity and public safety. Developed by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), with input from the fishing industry, conservation organizations, law enforcement, and municipal leaders, the new regulations will streamline the timely and efficient removal of derelict fishing gear, while continuing to protect functional fishing gear and minimizing conflicts on the water. These regulations are set to take effect on January 30, 2026.

“Massachusetts is taking action to protect our environment, marine life, and public safety,” said Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This is a win-win for our coastal communities—we look forward to continued partnership with the fishing industry and conservationists to tackle this challenge coastwide through creativity and collaboration.”

“This is a significant achievement—this will allow cleanup of ghost gear to make our coasts safer and healthier for marine life and mariners alike,” said Department of Fish & Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “We are grateful to all the champions in the legislature, across the industry, and the conservation community who came together to call for this much-needed change and look forward to continued partnership to host cleanups in each of our 78 coastal communities.”

Fishing gear debris—which is defined as gear that is not intact, does not function as intended, or is set during a closed season—harms marine life and creates safety hazards for fishers, boaters, and beachgoers. Lost or abandoned gear can ghost fish, or continue to catch and kill marine life, and pose entanglement risks for endangered marine mammals and sea turtles. Additionally, it creates significant hazards for mariners, commercial fishers, and beachgoers by impeding navigation, creating conflicts, and posing risks to public safety.

“Abandoned, lost, and derelict fishing gear has no place in our environment. Over 9% of fishing gear is lost or abandoned annually, but outdated state laws previously prevented our efforts to recover it,” said DMF Director Dan McKiernan. “We are grateful to the Legislature’s Coastal Caucus, lobster industry, and conservation community who all played an important role in advocating for this change to greatly enhance our capacity to clean up fishing gear debris with partners.”

“Fishing gear debris is a threat to marine life, a safety hazard for mariners, a persistent problem on our beaches, and a costly burden for municipalities to clean up. We look forward to this significant boost in our capacity to address this growing issue,” said Massachusetts Environmental Police Colonel John Monaghan.

Prior to changes, antiquated state law constrained the cleanup of fishing gear debris, as it afforded the gear property rights. This dated back to a time when much of the fishing gear used was salvageable and biodegradable wooden lathe traps. Today, most fishing gear debris consists of plastic-coated metal traps, which are not biodegradable and often not salvageable.

In 2022, DMF established the Derelict Gear Task Force comprised of government officials, fishing industry representatives, law enforcement, and conservation partners with experience researching and removing derelict gear. The Task Force produced a report outlining strategies to tackle this growing issue. In 2025, championed by the Massachusetts Coastal Caucus, state law was amended to enable cleanup efforts for the first time since 1940.

While DMF has always collaborated with Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) to clean up derelict gear and ensure compliance with fishing regulations, the new regulations will now allow DMF to permit local leaders, community organizations, and other partners to conduct coastal cleanups.

More work is needed to coordinate the disposal of fishing gear debris—DMF is committed to continued partnership with local leaders to expand these efforts. This includes working with municipalities and partners to expand capacity for safe disposal of fishing gear debris at ports and grow a network of partners to recycle, salvage, or upcycle fishing gear debris.

For more information about the new regulations, join DMF and Center for Coastal Studies for the seminar, Ghost Gear in New England, at Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association Annual Weekend & Trade Show on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:30 AM in Hyannis, MA.

Statements of Support: 

“Left unchecked, abandoned fishing gear poses several threats to our marine environment and ecosystems,” said Senate Minority Leader and Coastal Caucus Co-Chair Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “It ‘ghost fishes,’ increasing mortality without any harvest benefit, presents a major risk of entanglement for right whales and other marine species, clutters and pollutes the ocean floor, and creates ongoing problems for coastal communities when it washes ashore and must be collected and disposed of before it causes further damage. The passage of our legislation, with the support of DMF, set the stage for effective action to remove this environmental nemesis from our waters and coastlines. Now, these regulations provide the regulatory infrastructure to ensure that action can move forward with confidence, efficiency, and appropriate safeguards for those who depend on fishing gear to make a living.”

“This is a significant step toward cleaning our waters of abandoned and derelict gear that no longer benefits our fishing community and instead makes our waters less hospitable for marine life. These regulations demonstrate the progress we can achieve through common-sense solutions when the fishing and lobstering community, environmental groups, the Legislature, and the Executive Branch work together toward a shared goal,” said State Representative and Coastal Caucus Co-Chair Kathleen LaNatra (D—Plymouth).

“Through working on DMF’s Derelict Gear Task Force, it became clear that fishing gear debris presented serious challenges on the waterfront. State law needed to be updated to encourage efforts to clean up fishing gear debris while still affording private property rights to fishing gear,” said Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission Chair and Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance Outreach Coordinator Ray Kane. “I am proud of the work accomplished by DMF and the fishing industry to develop and implement this framework, which was strongly and unanimously approved by the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission in December 2025. This will enhance our ability to clean up fishing gear debris to the betterment of our marine environment, fishery resources, and commercial fisheries.”

“It has been a long time coming, and we’re pleased that marine debris can legally be removed from our waters and shoreline in an efficient manner,” said Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association Executive Director Beth Casoni. “We look forward to working with local communities that organize beach cleanups and fishermen to effectively remove marine debris from our ocean.”

“We have been privileged to participate in the collaborative development of the new state regulations for fishing gear debris,” said Center for Coastal Studies Marine Debris and Plastics Program Director Laura Ludwig. “Our ghost gear project in Massachusetts waters has removed over 100 tons of lost, abandoned or discarded fishing gear since 2013, and we’re proud that our data could support this forward-thinking language change to facilitate future handling and disposal of marine debris.”

“The New England Aquarium applauds Massachusetts’ new regulations to allow for the removal of abandoned and derelict fishing gear from Commonwealth waters,” said New England Aquarium Chief of Conservation and Stewardship Dr. Letise LaFeir. “Lost fishing gear poses ongoing risks to marine habitats and animals, including whales and sea turtles, and expanding the ability to remove this gear is an important step toward reducing those threats. We appreciate the Division of Marine Fisheries’ leadership and continued collaboration to protect marine life and support healthier ocean ecosystems.”

“We are grateful to the Coastal Caucus and to DMF for their leadership in tackling the long-standing challenge of ghost gear in Massachusetts waters and along our coast,” said Conservation Law Foundation Director of Ocean Policy Elizabeth Etrie. “Ghost gear keeps on fishing and fatally entangles marine life long after it is lost. DMF has worked for years to clean it up, and this new law finally gives them the clear authority to remove ghost gear and work with local communities to dispose of it safely. Removing ghost gear will make our ocean and shorelines cleaner and safer for marine life and community members.”

“Removing abandoned fishing gear is a goal everyone can get behind. Once gear is lost or discarded, it keeps catching marine life and piling up on the ocean floor,” said The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts State Director Kris Sarri. “I’m grateful to the legislators, conservation partners, fishermen, and the Division of Marine Fisheries staff who brought this from an idea to common sense regulations that protect the environment.”

MASSACHUSETTS: Massachusetts government awards USD 1.2 million in commercial fishing grants

December 16, 2025 — The Massachusetts state government has announced USD 1.2 million (EUR 1 million) in grant funding for the state’s commercial fishing sector.

“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,” Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper said in a release. “We are proud to support our commercial fishers, who provide us with healthy, delicious seafood, all while finding ways to advance innovative research.”

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

MASSACHUSETTS: Abandoned Fishing Gear Measures Become Law

December 18, 2024 — The following was released by the Office of Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr:

The powerful authority to remove abandoned fishing gear from the Commonwealth’s waters, long championed by State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) is now law, following the inclusion of Tarr’s language into the final version of a sweeping economic development bill (H.5100, An Act relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadership) by the legislature and the approval of that bill by Governor Maura Healey (D- Mass) when she signed it into law on November 20th, 2024. The bi-partisan, bicameral language was also co-sponsored by Senators Joan Lovely (D-Salem), Mark C. Montigny (D-New Bedford) and Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth).

“Left unchecked, abandoned fishing gear poses several threats to our marine environment and ecosystems,” said Tarr. He added that, “It ‘ghost fishes,’ increasing mortality without any harvest benefit, it presents a major risk for entanglement for right whales and other species, it clutters and pollutes the ocean floor, and it presents ongoing problems for coastal communities that have to deal with this form of pollution when it washes ashore and must be collected and disposed of before it does further damage.”

Currently, because Massachusetts law treats abandoned gear as private property even when it is unclaimed and no owner can be identified, state regulators at the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) cannot effectively develop and implement regulations to facilitate the systemic removal of the gear from state waters despite the clear and multiple environmental threats it poses on a continuing basis. This amendment reframes and restructures relevant portions of state law to allow the agency to engage the public process of creating new regulatory measures to allow the gear to be responsibly removed while respecting private property considerations.

“Derelict fishing gear has no place in our environment. Over 9% of fishing gear is lost or abandoned annually, but outdated state laws prevent efforts to recover it. This is a persistent problem—abandoned gear is a threat to endangered right whales, a safety hazard for mariners, a nuisance on our beaches, and a costly burden for municipalities to clean up,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “Thank you to Senator Bruce Tarr for leading this effort to modernize state law and streamline our department’s efforts to recover derelict gear.”

The passage of this amendment follows months of research on the subject by the DMF, and collaboration with Tarr and other legislators, with a focus on prioritizing the protection of right whales while recognizing the high price currently being paid by those in the commercial lobster fishery to protect this endangered species through the extreme economic sacrifice of enduring fishery closures that last for months and prevent harvesters and others from being able to earn a living.

“This amendment will support and maintain the integrity of fishing operations in Massachusetts,” said Lovely. “By taking this important action, we are protecting the livelihoods of our fishing communities. Thank you to Senator Bruce Tarr for his leadership and partnership on this amendment.”

Preserving the health of our waterways, coastlines, and fishing grounds is vital for the well-being of our oceans and the entire marine ecosystem,” said O’Connor. “Our commercial fishing partners have stood as steadfast advocates for their industry, and this amendment offers a decisive solution to address the issue of removing debris and lost gear that often washes ashore and has been challenging to manage in the past.”

“Abandoned and lost fishing gear can persist for many years on the ocean floor, in the water column, and on our beaches,” said Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Director Daniel J. McKiernan. “We are grateful to the lobster industry leaders and conservation community leaders who came together with us to devise strategies to dispense of this marine debris and minimize the ecological impacts that it could create.”

“The Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association (MLA) is proud to support this Abandoned Gear amendment that will modernize the law to help local communities with their beach cleanup efforts,” said Executive Director of the MLA, Beth Casoni. “The commercial lobster industry also helps with many of these cleanup efforts to maintain clean beaches for everyone to enjoy.”

This new law establishes the legal framework for the chronic nemesis of abandoned fishing gear to be removed from the state’s waters through appropriate regulations promulgated by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). This bi-partisan, bi-cameral amendment was originally filed as a stand-alone bill (S.2793) earlier this year garnering co-sponsorship support from Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) and Representatives Ann Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester) and Kathleen LaNatra (D-Kingston). It was reported favorably by the Committee on Environmental and Natural Resources on June 17th, 2024.

“Our communities depend on a clean and unobstructed ocean. Abandoned and unused fishing gear threatens navigation of vessels, as well as the travel lanes of some of our marine species,” said Ferrante. “This amendment allows for the removal of legitimately abandoned fishing gear, protects marine life, while maintaining the private property rights of our fishermen and lobstermen.”

“Abandoned fishing gear presents a clear threat to the health and safety of marine wildlife and our ocean ecosystem as a whole. Yet, current statute prevents us from cleaning up our oceans and being proper stewards of our most important and vital resource,” said LaNatra. “I am proud to co-sponsor this amendment to ensure that our oceans and waterways are not being cluttered by gear that is no longer providing any economic benefits to the Commonwealth, and only adds to the threats that our marine ecosystems face today.”

The passage of this amendment follows several other initiatives spearheaded by Tarr, with the overwhelming support of the legislature, to protect right whales and support the state’s commercial fishing industry over the past several years.

They include:

Funding for Directed Patrols by the Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) of Areas Closed to Fishing Due to the Potential for Right Whale Presence

Tarr secured $250,000 in Fiscal Year 2022, and again in Fiscal Year 2024 for these targeted efforts to prevent harm to right whales during the peak times for their presence in Massachusetts waters. These efforts came at the request of the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association, because of the organization’s concern that injuries not related to active fishing could occur even as lobster harvesters were making the significant economic sacrifices caused by state waters being closed to lobstering.

The funding from this program has been highly effective in protecting right whales through several measures, including:

Prevention of Illegal Activities:

Increased patrols act as a deterrent to illegal activities in closed areas. These areas are designated to protect right whales during critical times, such as calving and feeding. Patrolling helps enforce regulations and prevents unauthorized fishing activities, reducing the risk of entanglement and collisions between whales and fishing gear.

Reduction of Entanglement Risks:

Closed areas are often established to minimize the risk of entanglement, a significant threat to right whales. Fishing gear, such as lines and traps, can pose a danger to whales if they become entangled. Patrolling closed areas ensures that fishing activities comply with regulations, reducing the likelihood of abandoned or improperly managed gear that could entangle right whales.

Enhanced Response to Gear Debris:

Increased patrols enable authorities to respond promptly to any fishing gear debris found in closed areas. Abandoned or lost gear, known as fishing gear debris, can continue to pose risks to marine life. Patrols help identify and remove such debris, preventing potential harm to right whales and other marine species.

Protection of Critical Habitats:

Closed areas are often designated in important habitats for right whales, such as calving grounds and feeding areas. Patrolling ensures that these critical habitats remain free from disturbances that could disrupt the natural behavior of the whales. Protecting these areas contributes to the overall well-being and reproductive success of the right whale population.

Research and Monitoring Opportunities:

Patrolling closed areas provides opportunities for research and monitoring efforts. Observations made during patrols contribute valuable data on the behavior, health, and distribution of right whales. This information is essential for implementing effective conservation measures and adapting strategies to better protect the species.

Funding for Gear Designed to Protect Right Whales

In Fiscal Year 2023, Tarr authored successful legislation to create a program for grants to lobster harvesters for replacement gear required for the protection of right whales. The grant program, funded at $500,000, provided the funds needed for harvesters to be able to afford the substantial cost of such essential fishing gear as “weak rope,” constructed to break in the event of high stress due to a whale entanglement.

DMF awarded approximately $475,000 to 162 Massachusetts lobster fishers to purchase whale safe rope and gear marking supplies.  The awards ranged from $1,000 to $3,025.

Endangered Species: North Atlantic Right Whales

The North Atlantic right whale is recognized for their massive size, distinctive callosities on their heads, and broad, deeply notched tails. These marine giants once thrived in the waters along the eastern coast of North America; however, their population has dwindled to critically low numbers, making them one of the rarest large whale species on the planet.

One of the defining features of North Atlantic right whales is their annual migration in which they embark on a seasonal pilgrimage, covering vast distances from their feeding grounds in chilly northern waters to their calving areas in the warmer, southern regions. The North Atlantic right whale’s migration typically occurs in late fall and early winter when they travel southward to give birth and nurture their calves in the subtropical waters off the southeastern United States.

During the spring (March to June), North Atlantic right whales can be spotted in the waters of New England as they migrate northward. This period coincides with their return journey from their calving grounds in the warmer southern waters. As the waters in New England begin to warm up, these whales travel along the Atlantic coast, feeding on plankton-rich areas.

It is important to note that the exact timing of their arrival and departure may vary each year, influenced by factors such as oceanographic conditions and the availability of their primary food sources. Understanding the intricacies of their migration patterns and addressing the threats they encounter during these journeys are critical steps in the conservation efforts, which aim to track and protect these whales during their migrations, especially given the various threats they face in their journey, such as vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.

MASSACHUSETTS: NBFHC Awarded Seafood Marketing Grant from Dept. of Marine Fisheries

April 22, 2022 — The following was released by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center: 

New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center was recently awarded a $25,000 grant from the Division of Marine Fisheries’ (DMF) Seafood Marketing Program. The program was launched in 2016 to increase awareness and demand for Massachusetts seafood products and to enhance the viability and stabilize the economic environment for the state’s local commercial fishing and seafood industries and communities.

The Center’s project, A School of Fish: Infusing Sustainable Seafood into Culinary Arts Programs & the Public Palate, will support a year-long partnership with the culinary arts programs at Greater New Bedford Regional-Vocational Technical High School and Bristol Community College. Together, the Center and project partners will produce materials and programs to educate the next generation of chefs and the general public about the local seafood industry with a focus on local, underutilized, and abundant seafood species. “We are thrilled to support the seafood industry by helping to build demand for some of the lesser-known seafood species,” says the Center’s Executive Director, Laura Orleans.  In addition to producing curriculum materials and a digital cookbook, the project will support cooking demonstrations, classes, and a Seafood Throwdown.

“Importantly, these projects will educate and steer consumers towards the Commonwealth’s healthy and sustainable seafood, directly benefiting our economy and historic fishing communities.” Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Ron Amidon says: “The Seafood Marketing Grant Program projects provide further support the for the livelihoods of the many families who rely on commercial fishing, processing, and related business.”

Massachusetts DMF Releases Ropeless Gear Feasibility Report

April 5, 2022 — The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has wrapped up the first phase of a two-year project to characterize the issues and challenges that may come to light with the integration of ropeless fishing gear into New England lobster fisheries.

Ropeless or On-demand gear will replace traditional vertical buoy lines with an eye toward protecting endangered North Atlantic right whales and will feature new gear retrieval and marking methods.

Read the full story at SeafoodNews.com

 

MASSACHUSETTS: $1.1M in pandemic aid headed to state’s seafood industry

February 22, 2022 — A more than $1.1 million boost from the federal government will help the seafood industry in Massachusetts weather and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The $1,104,725 from the Seafood Processors Pandemic Response and Safety Block Grant Program will provide relief for local seafood processors and processing facilities, said U.S. Sens. Edward J. Markey and Elizabeth Warren in announcing the award last week.

The federal money will be distributed by the state Division of Marine Fisheries. It plans to award the money to applicants for improving workplace and worker safety measures, facilitating market pivots, retrofitting facilities, transportation, worker housing and medical services.

Read the full story at the Gloucester Times

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