On-Demand Gear Grant and Research Program

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF) is seeking commercial fishers to participate in an on-demand gear grant research program during the fixed-gear closed season areas in 2027.

Fixed gear participants are eligible for the program only if they utilize the grant to purchase on-demand gear that will be commercially fished in seasonal fixed gear closed areas. There will also be a component for mobile gear fishers to participate by using on-demand gear virtual gear marking technology while commercially fishing in the closed areas. All participants will be required to submit a monthly report on the performance of the on-demand technology. MA DMF will reimburse costs to chosen participants up to $50,000 for fixed gear fishers and $6,000 for mobile gear fishers. Eligible reimbursements shall include, but will not be limited to: 

• the purchase of on-demand gear; 
• the purchase and/or installation of through-hull transducers for signaling on demand fishing gear; 
• installation and/or maintenance of satellite communication systems capable of providing information of on-demand gear locations; 
• monthly costs for satellite services (up to four months corresponding to the MA state water closure period); 
• a device to receive on-demand data, and on-demand software application downloads and/or subscriptions. 

The on-demand gear is the participants to keep, however if any on-demand gear is no longer being used, it must be returned to MA DMF. The gear also may not be disposed of, sold, or transferred without written approval from MA DMF.  The On-Demand Gear Program will be accepting applications until all funds are exhausted. The final reimbursement request must be submitted no later than 30 days after the contract end date.

Eligibility

This Grant opportunity and eligible projects are open to individuals that have the ability to enter into a contract with the Commonwealth. All respondents must be in good standing with both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and federal government. Eligible respondents are commercial fixed and mobile gear permit holders who fish in the seasonal restricted areas (Massachusetts Restricted Area and the South Islands Restricted Area) during the closed season of February 1–April 30 each year. Fixed gear respondents must be willing to participate in on-demand fishing during the closed season under MA DMF’s Exempted Fishing Permit or Letter of Authorization, or some equivalent that allows fishing using on-demand gear reimbursed through this grant. 

Fixed Gear Applicants must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for participation in the On-Demand Gear Grant Research Program: 

• Must have held a 2026 Massachusetts Commercial Lobster Permit; 
• The permit must be renewed by February 28, 2027, and prior to submitting for reimbursement 
• Must acquire and use on-demand related equipment or technology; 
• Must be willing to work under one of the following: MA DMF’s EFP or a MA DMF Letter of Authorization (LOA). This authorization is needed to fish without persistent buoy lines in the Massachusetts Restricted Area (MRA), South Island Restricted Area (SIRA); and 
• Must provide a monthly questionnaire response when conducting on-demand fishing. 

Mobile Gear Applicants must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for participation in the On-Demand Gear Grant Research Program: 

• Must have held a 2026 Massachusetts Commercial Fishing Permit; 
• The permit must be renewed by February 28, 2027, and prior to submitting for reimbursement 
• Must acquire and use on-demand related equipment or technology; and 
• Must provide a monthly questionnaire response during the closed season months when on-demand fishing is occurring. 

Preference for awards will be given to vessels that have a history of fishing within the MRA or the SIRA in closed season prior to the implementation of the closures in 2015 and 2021, respectively. The Statistical Reporting Areas that overlap with eligible portions of the MRA and SIRA include SRAs 1–12; 16, 17, and 19. Vessel histories that fished the original MRA closure area will be assessed over a period from 2012–2014; vessel histories that fished the MRA North and SIRA will be assessed over a period from 2018–2020.

Permit coverage to fish without persistent buoy lines

Special authorization is needed to fish on-demand gear, either through a federal Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) or a Letter of Authorization from MA DMF for State-only permit holders.  MA DMF will have an EFP by February 1, 2027, to allow participating federal permit holders to use on-demand gear in the seasonal trap closure. Fishermen who are interested in participating in on-demand fishing under MA DMF’s EFP should contact Erin Burke at 508-742-9725 or [e-mail].

How to apply

Applications are available below. Please review, complete all necessary sections, and mail the completed application back to Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Attn: On-Demand Gear Grant and Research Program, 836 South Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02744; or email to [e-mail].

CONTACT INFORMATION: Submit grant application to Brendan Reilly ([e-mail]). Contact Erin Burke ([e-mail]) for information on joining an Exempted Fishing Permit or Letter of Authorization.

Last updated:	October 15, 2026