Saving Seafood

Lobster populations off New England coast are declining, report shows

October 31, 2025 — Lobster populations off the coast of New England have dropped 34 percent since 2018, according to a new report from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

The findings are raising fresh questions about the long-term outlook for Maine’s lobster industry.

Off the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank, the commission said the current population is at 201 million lobsters, which is below the target of 229 million but still comfortably above the “depleted” threshold of 143 million. That means the stock is not considered depleted, but the decline is notable.

“The number of lobsters in the population has gone down since the last assessment,” said Caitlin Starks, senior coordinator for the commission’s Fishery Management Plan. “Overfishing is occurring, but just barely.”

Read the full article at News Center Maine

Lobster Population Falls off New England, Leading Regulators to Declare Overfishing

October 31, 2025 — A new report says America’s lobsters, which have been in decline since 2018, are now being overfished off New England.

The stock has declined by 34% since that year in its most important fishing grounds, the regulatory Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission said Thursday. The commission said it now considers overfishing of the species to be occurring, and that could bring new management measures that restrict fishermen from catching them in the future.

But the lobster population has shown “rapid declines in abundance in recent years,” the commission said in a statement.

The assessment said the decline and overfishing were taking place in fishing areas off Maine and Massachusetts where most lobster fishing takes place. The assessment also considered the southern New England lobster stock, which it said has been depleted for years and remains so.

Read the full article at U.S. News

Herring count shows more work needed to boost population

October 30, 2025 — Twenty years ago, Massachusetts banned harvesting river herring in an attempt to protect alewife and blueback herring.

Last year the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission released a stock assessment that determined herring populations are stable throughout the coast, including Massachusetts.

Mike Palmer coordinates an annual spring herring count for the Association to Preserve Cape Cod. He said we need to be doing more to help the population rebound.

Palmer said the spring 2025 count showed below-average returns on the Cape. Since then, continuing drought conditions have been tough on river herring that require sufficient river flows to return to the ocean in the fall.

Read the full article at CAI

MASSACHUSETTS: New Bedford State Pier businesses to be displaced. Repairs could take up to 4 years.

October 28, 2025 — The state will close State Pier’s south wharf and most of the east wharf within weeks for significant repairs that will cause the displacement of virtually all water-dependent businesses. Repairs could take up to four years.

However, MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal said the agency is working on short-term options with Seastreak Ferries and Cuttyhunk Ferry to be able to maintain some level of operations from the pier.

There is a space that’s safe and it’s hoped they can be supported from there, Bal said. Seastreak is currently closed for the season.

Why is the pier closure happening?

Bal said an engineering review of the pier found that the south wharf and most of the east wharf required significant repairs or replacement, necessitating the closure within weeks.

She noted that the north wharf has been closed since 2019 because of needed repairs, and MassDevelopment will be soliciting reconstruction bids for it in the near future.

Read the full article at the Standard-Times

MASSACHUSETTS: Tarr, Ferrante Secure Passage of Legislation Strengthening the Gloucester Fisheries Commission

October 27, 2025 — The following was released by the Office of State Senator Bruce E. Tarr:

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R–Gloucester) and Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D–Gloucester) have secured the passage of S.2566, An Act further regulating the Gloucester Fisheries Commission reaffirming the City of Gloucester’s long-standing commitment to its historic fishing industry. Tarr and Ferrante filed the bill as a joint home rule petition, S.2507, An Act establishing the Gloucester Fisheries Commission, at the request of Gloucester’s Mayor Greg Verga and City Council, which approved the request unanimously. Enacted by the House and Senate on Monday, October 6, 2025, it was officially signed into law by Governor Maura Healey on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

 
Established 69 years ago under Chapter 260 of the Acts of 1956, the Gloucester Fisheries Commission (the Commission) has served as a vital advisory body for nearly seven decades—investigating, advocating for, and recommending measures to promote, preserve, and protect the Gloucester Fishing Industry. As the Commission approaches its 70th anniversary in 2026, this legislation updates its structure and governance to ensure continued effectiveness in an ever-changing economic, regulatory, and environmental context. 
 
“Since its inception, Gloucester’s commercial fishing industry has provided an unsurpassed protein resource, supported fishing families, and written chapters in American history,” said Tarr. “Now, as the port works to lead with innovation that builds sustainability and environmental stewardship along with prosperity, it needs the forum the commission provides for stakeholders to exchange ideas and build the fisheries policy of the future.” 
 
This legislation formally establishes the Commission as a public body tasked with investigating, advocating for, and recommending measures to promote, preserve, and protect the Gloucester Fishing Industry. It also amends Chapter 260 of the Acts of 1956, defining the commission’s status, official seal, and sponsorship by the City of Gloucester. 
 
“For nearly 70 years, the Commission has been central to protecting Gloucester’s maritime heritage, and these updates will help it continue that work with renewed purpose and clarity,” added Tarr. 
“As the daughter of a fisherman, I know firsthand how deeply the fishing industry has shaped Gloucester’s families, economy, and identity,” said Ferrante. “By updating the Fisheries Commission, we are giving it the ability to adapt to the challenges that didn’t exist when it was established in 1956.”

“Gloucester’s Fisheries Commission plays a vital role in preserving, promoting, and protecting our fishing industry, which remains a cornerstone of our community and economy,” said Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga. “When it became clear that the original legislation was creating challenges for the Commission, I worked with our team to propose a home rule petition to modernize outdated provisions, ensuring the Commission can more effectively meet quorum requirements and continue its important work. I’m grateful to Senator Tarr and Representative Ferrante for filing this legislation on our behalf and remain committed to supporting Gloucester’s fishing industry, especially during these challenging and uncertain times.” 

 
Verga worked with his team towards a legislative solution after the Commission expressed challenges around the current language of the law. After partnering on a solution, Verga and Gloucester General Counsel Suzanne Eagan presented a memorandum for consideration to the Gloucester City Council’s special meeting held by the Ordinance & Administration Committee on January 21, 2025. 
 
Egan stated that “the motion before the council was meant to amend the home rule petition that currently existed that had created the Fisheries Commission.” and that “the Fisheries Commission is currently having difficulty meeting a quorum, and reducing the number of committee members from 13 to 7 – two alternative members would allow the Fisheries Commission to properly conduct business.” 
 
After Egan’s statement, the Ordinances & Administration Committee voted 3 in favor, 0 opposed, to recommend that the City Council vote to authorize the mayor to petition the General Court for a special act substantially. Gloucester City Council approved the home rule petition at the January 28, 2025 City Council meeting by a roll call vote (8 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 absent) to authorize the mayor to petition the Massachusetts Legislature which Tarr and Ferrante jointly filed on behalf of the city. 
 
A home rule petition in Massachusetts is a legislative tool that allows a city or town to request special authority from the state legislature to address matters that are normally governed by state law, essentially giving a local government the ability to create laws or make changes that would otherwise require statewide approval. 
 
“I want to thank Senator Bruce Tarr and Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante for their leadership in advancing this important Home Rule legislation for Gloucester,” said Gloucester City Council President and Councilor-at-Large Tony Gross. 
 
“The language of the original legislation that created the Fisheries Commission was long overdue for modernization. As the fishing industry continues to evolve and adapt to remain viable, these updates will strengthen the framework that supports Gloucester’s working waterfront and ensure that our fishing community remains a vital part of the city’s future.” 
 
Highlights of S.2566, An Act further regulating the Gloucester Fisheries Commission 
 

·         Defining the Commission’s structure: 

o    Composed of a seven-member board 

o    One member is the mayor or the mayor’s designee 

o    Six additional members are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council 

o    Appointed members serve staggered three-year terms 

o    All board members (including alternates) must be residents with knowledge of the fishing industry

·         Defining the role of the mayor relative to the Commission: 

o    The mayor is authorized to appoint an Executive Director 

o    The mayor also determines the Executive Director’s compensation 

 
About the Gloucester Fisheries Commission 
 
The mission of the City of Gloucester Fisheries Commission is to investigate, advocate, and recommend measures for the promotion, preservation, and protection of the Gloucester Fishing Industry. 
 
“I would like to thank Senator Tarr, Representative Ferrante, and the entire Legislature for their efforts in passing important updates to the Gloucester Fisheries Commission, said Al Cottone, the Executive Director of the Commission. “Their support and commitment to strengthening our local fisheries are greatly appreciated.” 
 
The Gloucester Fisheries Commission meets in person on the third Thursday of each month, with meeting notices and locations posted 48 hours in advance on the City of Gloucester’s Public Meeting Notices page. Meetings are typically held at City Hall in the first floor Conference Room, but location subject to change based on meeting space availability. Recordings of previous virtual meetings are available under Past Remote Public Meetings on the city’s website. 
 
The Commission “welcomes public participation and input as it continues its work to sustain and strengthen the fishing industry that defines Gloucester’s identity as America’s oldest seaport.” 
 
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Additional Resources: 
 

Latest right whale population estimate is “positive news” for critically endangered species, researchers say

October 21, 2025 — Researchers say they see “positive news” in the latest population estimate for North Atlantic right whales, but stress that conservation measures are still needed to save the critically endangered species from extinction.

The North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, which is meeting in New Bedford, Massachusetts this week, says the population estimate for 2024 is 384, an increase of 2.1% from the previous year. The past four years have shown a trend of “slow growth,” the New England Aquarium said.

“It’s always a great feeling when we can share positive news about this critically endangered species,” said consortium chair Heather Pettis, who leads the right whale research program at the aquarium.

There have not been any reported right whale deaths this year and there have been fewer injuries detected than in years past, which Pettis said “leaves us cautiously optimistic about the future of North Atlantic right whales.”

Read the full story at CBS News

MASSACHUSETTS: Mayor of New Bedford urges NOAA to approve proposal allowing scallop permit stacking

October 20, 2025 — The mayor of the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S.A., is calling on NOAA Fisheries to allow full-time scallop vessels to stack two permits on one vessel.

Mayor Jon Mitchell, in a letter sent to NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, called on the agency to allow for permit stacking in order to help protect the industry. Mitchell’s letter said he has reconsidered his position on the matter, as the scallop fishery continues to face limited days at sea.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

New Bedford Mayor Urges NOAA to Advance Targeted Scallop Permit-Stacking to Keep Fleet Working

October 17, 2025 — Mayor Jon Mitchell today wrote to Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries, setting forth his position on a proposed rule that would allow full-time, limited-access scallop permit holders to “stack” two permits on a single vessel. New Bedford has been the nation’s highest-value fishing port for 23 consecutive years, since 2001. As the Mayor writes, “the Atlantic sea scallop fishery is one of America’s highest grossing commercial fisheries and is concentrated in New Bedford,” giving the city “a singular interest in policies that govern the allocation of scallop permits.”

Background and changing circumstances

Three years ago, the mayor opposed a proposal that would have authorized leasing of limited-access scallop permits. In his view then, it went further than necessary to address over-capitalization and risked inexorable industry consolidation, costing shoreside jobs and diminishing returns to single-boat owners and their crews, while failing to sufficiently engage the small businesses most exposed. He now notes that changing circumstances have prompted him to revisit his position, given the continued tightening of effort controls and their knock-on effects throughout the fleet and waterfront.

Why the industry needs relief

“The continued decline in available days-at-sea and closed area trips for limited-access permit holders has forced a broad reckoning in the industry that the traditional assignment of one permit per boat is antiquated. It has resulted in scallopers remaining in port for nearly eleven months a year on average – hardly an efficient use of a multi-million-dollar business asset,” the mayor writes. Building on that point, the mayor cites the practical consequences in port: prolonged vessel idling has increased congestion on municipal piers, reducing safety for fishermen; and by cutting average-boat revenues, it has constrained reinvestment in vessels, raising additional safety concerns.

What’s different now

“The new proposal is being advanced by a different group of proponents, who went back to the proverbial drawing board to fashion a more measured approach. In its broadest terms, the proposal would not allow the leasing of permits, but it instead would allow the transfer of permits between two vessels of similar size and common ownership. In practice, this would enable one boat to fish for approximately twice as long in any given year,” the mayor wrote.

Read the full article at Seafoodnews.com

New Bedford Mayor Urges NOAA to Advance Targeted Scallop Permit-Stacking to Keep Fleet Working and Protect Jobs

October 16, 2025 — The following was released by the Port of New Bedford:

Mayor Jon Mitchell today wrote to Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries, setting forth his position on a proposed rule that would allow full-time, limited-access scallop permit holders to “stack” two permits on a single vessel. New Bedford has been the nation’s highest-value fishing port for 23 consecutive years, since 2001. As the Mayor writes, “the Atlantic sea scallop fishery is one of America’s highest grossing commercial fisheries and is concentrated in New Bedford,” giving the city “a singular interest in policies that govern the allocation of scallop permits.”

Background and changing circumstances
Three years ago, the mayor opposed a proposal that would have authorized leasing of limited-access scallop permits. In his view then, it went further than necessary to address over-capitalization and risked inexorable industry consolidation, costing shoreside jobs and diminishing returns to single-boat owners and their crews, while failing to sufficiently engage the small businesses most exposed. He now notes that changing circumstances have prompted him to revisit his position, given the continued tightening of effort controls and their knock-on effects throughout the fleet and waterfront.

Why the industry needs relief
“The continued decline in available days-at-sea and closed area trips for limited-access permit holders has forced a broad reckoning in the industry that the traditional assignment of one permit per boat is antiquated. It has resulted in scallopers remaining in port for nearly eleven months a year on average – hardly an efficient use of a multi-million-dollar business asset,” the mayor writes. Building on that point, the mayor cites the practical consequences in port: prolonged vessel idling has increased congestion on municipal piers, reducing safety for fishermen; and by cutting average-boat revenues, it has constrained reinvestment in vessels, raising additional safety concerns.

What’s different now
“The new proposal is being advanced by a different group of proponents, who went back to the proverbial drawing board to fashion a more measured approach. In its broadest terms, the proposal would not allow the leasing of permits, but it instead would allow the transfer of permits between two vessels of similar size and common ownership. In practice, this would enable one boat to fish for approximately twice as long in any given year,” the mayor wrote.

“Earlier objections to permit stacking are not triggered by the new proposal. The consolidation of two permits will not likely result in the loss of crew jobs. The reality is that on account of the days-at-seas caps, it is now common for scallop fishermen to serve on multiple vessels. It is also not likely for scallop stocks to grow to a point that could support a significantly greater number of fishing days for the current fleet. New equipment technology and fishing techniques have made scallop fishing much more efficient than it was in the 1990s, when the current permitting regime was instituted.” He adds that “the process used to fashion the new proposal was more open than last time,” and that proponents “have actively sought to understand the concerns of boat owners and shore-side businesses,” yielding “broader understanding and support in New Bedford,” the mayor wrote.

Not yet an endorsement, but a clear direction
“While it would be premature for me to explicitly endorse the proposal, as the precise language has yet to be settled on, it is clear that the status quo is untenable,” the mayor wrote.

Four caveats from the mayor’s letter
Before any action is taken, the letter sets out four caveats that should accompany the proposal:

  1. Expansion of the resource. “The Management Council should expand the biomass available for fishing… In particular, the implementation of a permit stacking regime would make it even more important that the Council revisit its decision not to reopen the Northern Edge to scalloping, as I have long advocated.”
  2. Legal Curbs on Consolidation. “To protect against the risk of consolidation, the five percent ownership cap of scallop permits must remain sacrosanct… The Council should remain leery of allowing stacking rules to slide down a slippery slope toward open-ended leasing and even the commodification of permits.”
  3. Preventing the Abandonment of Vessels. “The stacking of permits will lead owners not to use their less productive vessels… permit holders must make certain accommodations. This could include a prohibition on the stacking of a permit if the vessel with which it is associated has remained dormant at a public facility for an unreasonably long time.”
  4. Robust Engagement. “Before implementing the proposal, the Council should ensure that the interests of smaller fishing and shore side businesses are fully considered. Given its status as the epicenter of the scallop industry and America’s leading fishing port, New Bedford should be the focal point of these efforts.”

Read the letter here