The Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) has posted online a document summarizing the basis for the Commonwealth’s federal grant application for groundfish assistance funds. Proposals were first developed in consultation with a state Drafting Group and an Industry Subcommittee. Based on comments received at public meetings and received by phone, email and regular mail, MarineFisheries has refined its recommendations to provide an expedient program that takes into account our discussions with members of the Drafting Group & Industry Subcommittee as well as our known resources and limitations relative to grant administration.

MarineFisheries thanks those who took time to attend public meetings and offer thoughtful and productive comments that helped construct our recommendations. We particularly thank members of the Industry Subcommittee for attending meetings and providing helpful advice. We will continue to take public comment on these recommendations until 2 PM on Monday, April 14, 2008. Comments may be submitted to Melanie Griffin by mail (251 Causeway St., Suite 400; Boston, MA 02114), email (melanie.griffin@state.ma.us) or by fax at 617.626.1509. MarineFisheries plans to submit the Commonwealth’s grant application required to receive these funds by close of business on April 15, 2008.

For further information please visit the “Groundfish Assistance Program” spotlight on our website at: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/spotlight/groundfish_assistance.htm#spot