Where Do Your Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permit Fees Go?
You might purchase a recreational saltwater fishing permit every year. Do you ever wonder what your permit fees are used for?
Understanding This Year's Recreational Management Changes
Wondering how the recreational fishing measures for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish came to be this year? Dive into the recreational measure setting process for these species to learn more!
Clearing the Waters: Massachusetts Tackles Derelict Fishing Gear
In January 2026, final rules were approved to distinguish "fishing gear" from "fishing gear debris" and allow DMF to regulate the clean up of derelict fishing gear from our coasts and state waters. Within the first few months, communities have led targeted beach clean ups, dumpster installation near docks, and more!
Revitalization of the Shellfish Officers Training Course
A newly updated and hybrid Massachusetts Shellfish Officers Training Course hosted its first cohort this spring. In partnership with the Massachusetts Shellfish Officers Association, Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant, and Cape Cod Community College, we're excited to launch this accessible and engaging course!
New DMF Study Examines Impacts From Bay Scallop Dragging on Eelgrass Beds
Recent research led by DMF scientists examines how bay scallop dragging impacts eelgrass - a crucial and threatened habitat for these invertebrates and many other marine species.
Pilot Program Expands Fishing Access for Inshore Sea Scallop Vessels
In January 2026, DMF initiated a pilot program allowing inshore sea scallop fishermen to access historically closed areas during the winter. The program was widely considered a success, minimizing incidental user group conflict and improving fishery access.
Program Updates
North Atlantic Right Whales in Coastal Massachusetts: the 2025/2026 Season
North Atlantic right whales have been known to aggregate in high numbers in Massachusetts waters in the early spring for centuries. While research and conservation measures have often focused on Cape Cod Bay during this time of year, acoustic monitoring tools along with the expansion of visual survey effort in time and space have provided a new perspective on Massachusetts waters for the 2025/2026 season.
Horseshoe Crab Abundance Continues to Increase in Massachusetts
Thanks to the last 25 years of effective management, horseshoe crab populations are increasing. In Massachusetts, we monitor populations in state waters through three surveys. Learn more about these surveys and what they are telling us about horseshoe crab population trends!
Expanding Partnerships and Online Engagement: Seafood Marketing Successes
DMF’s Seafood Marketing Program aims to increase consumer demand for local seafood products and support local fisheries through education and awareness. Learn about our recent events, collaborations, social media campaigns, and more!
Recreational Fisheries Program Offers New Opportunities to Participate
A re-energized saltwater fishing derby, striped bass license plate auctions, summer fishing clinics, and more! There are plenty of ways to get involved in and connect with the recreational fishing community in Massachusetts.
Creature Feature: Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica)
Culinary staples, ecosystem engineers, and cultural icons - the eastern oyster is a critically important species to Massachusetts.
Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission Elects a New Chair
During its May meeting in Martha's Vineyard, the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission elected a new chair, Shelley Edmundson.
Dish on Fish: Blush Lobster Pappardelle with Champagne Garlic Cream
Hosting for dinner? 'Wow' your guest with this simple yet elevated blush lobster pappardelle with champagne garlic cream - ready in about 30 minutes!
2025 Belding Award is Presented to Henry Lind
Henry Lind of Eastham - a founding member of the Massachusetts Shellfish Officers Association and key figure in the local shellfish industry - was awarded the 2025 Belding Award.
Regulatory and Adjudicatory Updates
Regulatory Updates
Below find the changes made to DMF fishing rules by regulation, emergency action, and in-season adjustment from January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026.
Adjudicatory Hearings
Below find the adjudicatory hearings initiated, in-progress, and resolved January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026.
Staff Updates
Earth Day Bittersweet Clean Up at Cat Cove Facility
DMF staff teamed up with Bittersweet Warriors on Earth Day to remove this invasive, non-native plant from the Cat Cove Marine Laboratory in Salem.
Comings and Goings
Catch up on staff transitions, new hires, and more.
Publications
The following publications are recent articles written or co-written by DMF staff and published in scholarly journals or the DMF Technical Series.
| Date published: | July 1, 2026 |
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