Due to the COVID-19 crisis, DMF offices are closed until further notice. In an effort to still provide timely support to our constituents, we've put together the following update regarding our top services.
This page, DMF COVID-19 Update: Ongoing Services, is
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Commercial Fishing and Seafood Dealer Permits
Processing of new applications and renewals is ongoing, but may be delayed.
To assist fishermen and others in the seafood industry during the public health emergency posed by COVID-19, DMF has implemented the following measure;
- any un-renewed 2019 commercial fishing and seafood dealer permits will be considered valid through April 30, 2020.
- fishermen unable to sell fish, lobsters and crabs to dealers may be issued a Retail Boat permits (fee waived). For more information contact story.reed@mass.gov.
Permit renewals and new permit applications should be mailed in to DMF's Boston office and staff will process them as soon as possible.
Due to the public health emergency, DMF will not be able to accommodate walk-in transactions for its various permits.
Key Actions for Commercial Fishing and Seafood Dealer Permits
Recreational Saltwater Permits and Non-Commercial Lobster Permits
Recreational anglers and non-commercial lobster fishery participants who plan to fish during this time period are still required to have a current 2020 permit. You can purchase these permits through the convenient online application MassFishHunt. If you do not have access to a printer, you may save an electronic copy of your permit on your phone.
Due to the public health emergency, DMF will not be able to accommodate walk-in transactions for recreational permits.
Additional Resources for Recreational Saltwater Permits and Non-Commercial Lobster Permits
Find a Seafood Retail Location
Massachusetts seafood is fresh, sustainable and healthy. Our resilient seafood industry is working hard to continue to provide residents of MA with access to seafood. This is a list of retailers currently open and providing local and domestic seafood. We encourage you give them a call to see what retail, pick-up, or delivery options are available.
Help support the MA seafood industry by stocking up on locally caught seafood!
Key Actions for Find a Seafood Retail Location
For-Hire Industry
On May 18, 2020 Governor Baker issued COVID-19 Order No. 33 “Implementing a Phased Reopening of Workplaces and Imposing Workplace Safety Measures to Address COVID-19” and COVID-19 Order No. 34 “Expanding Access to and Use of State Beaches and Addressing Other Outdoor Recreational Activities.” In combination, these orders will allow the for-hire fishing industry to reopen, subject to certain public health and workplace safety guidelines, beginning on Monday, May 25, 2020.
Key Actions for For-Hire Industry
Catch Reports
Commercial fishermen and primary buyers should continue to report. Use the links below for instructions.
For more information, email dmf.stats@mass.gov.
Key Actions for Catch Reports
Quota Monitoring
DMF will continue to monitor quota-dependent fisheries. Use the link below for up-to-date information on Massachusetts landings.
Key Actions for Quota Monitoring
Environmental Review
DMF's environmental review team requests that all applicants submit paperwork electronically for our fisheries environmental review comment. This means all copies of NOIs, MEPA documents, DEP ch91 and 401 applications and ACOE filings.
Please email files for North projects (Hull to NH Border) to DMF.ENVReview-north@mass.gov. Please email files for South projects from (Cohasset to the RI Border), DMF.ENVReview-south@mass.gov.
If you have any questions please contact Tay Evans at tay.evans@mass.gov.
Questions
Please allow 1 -2 business days for a response.
For additional questions, please email us at marine.fish@mass.gov. Emails will be forwarded to the appropriate DMF staff member.