Public Hearing Notice  Public Hearing: New Protected Species Regulations Affecting Trap and Gillnet Fishing

Under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 30A, and pursuant to the authorities found at M.G.L. c. 130 §§ 2, 17(10), 17A, 80 and 104, the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is taking public comment and holding public hearings on proposed amendments to regulations at 322 CMR 6.00, 7.00, and 12.00. These draft regulations are designed to reduce the risk of endangered right whales becoming entangled in fixed fishing gear and reduce the potential harm posed by fixed fishing gear if a right whale interacts with it.

Written public comment will be accepted through 5PM on Friday, December 18, 2020. Please address written comments to Director Daniel McKiernan and submit it by e-mail to marine.fish@mass.gov or by post to the attention of Director McKiernan at 251 Causeway Street, Suite 400, Boston, MA 02114.