On-Demand Gear Research Program

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is seeking eligible participants to fish using on-demand (ropeless) fishing gear. Approved participants will be reimbursed the cost, or a portion of the cost of on-demand gear or related equipment.

As part of the Massachusetts Right Whale and Lobster Fishery Research Program, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF) will provide reimbursement of costs, or a portion of costs, for equipment needed to conduct on-demand (ropeless) fishing activities by Massachusetts commercial fixed gear fishers. There will also be a component for mobile gear fishers to participate by purchasing equipment needed to visualize the location of on-demand gear on the seafloor during the fixed gear closed season. 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 on-demand research program participants up to $35,000 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, 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. The On-Demand Gear Program will be accepting applications until all funds are exhausted; all funds must be spent by November 30, 2026.

Eligibility

Fixed gear applicants must meet the minimum requirements below to qualify:

• Must have held a 2025 Massachusetts Commercial Coastal Lobster Permit and will or have renewed for 2026;
• Federal or dual permit holders must be covered under an Experimental Fishing Permit (EFP) to fish without persistent buoy lines in the Massachusetts Restricted Area (MRA) or South Island Restricted Area (SIRA);
• State-only permit holders must obtain a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from MA DMF to fish without persistent buoy lines in state waters portions of the MRA or SIRA (see website for more information); and
• Must provide a monthly questionnaire response when conducting on-demand fishing.

Preference for awards will be given to vessels that have a history of fishing within the MRA or the SIRA in Statistical Reporting Areas 1 – 8; 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, and 19 in the closed season, prior to the implementation of the closures in 2015 and 2021, respectively. 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 holders in the Outer Cape Cod Lobster Management Area are not eligible for this program.

Mobile gear applicants must meet the minimum requirements below to qualify:

• Must have held a 2025 Massachusetts Commercial Fishing Permit and have or will renew for 2026; and
• Must be willing to provide a monthly questionnaire response. 

Preference for awards will be given to vessels that have a history of fishing within the Massachusetts Restricted Area (MRA; statistical area 514) and/or the South Islands Restricted Area (SIRA; statistical area 537) during the fixed gear closure period (Feb – May). Vessel histories will be assessed over a period from 2021-2023.

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, 2026, 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

MA DMF will be mailing an application to all Massachusetts coastal lobster and mobile gear permit holders. A generic application is available below. Please review, complete all necessary sections, and mail the completed application back to Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Attn: On-Demand Gear Program, 836 South Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02744; or email to [e-mail].

• MA Mobile Gear On-demand Research Grant Application
• MA Fixed Gear On-demand Research Grant Application 

Grant Selection Process:

1. MA DMF will contact the applicant after receipt of application to discuss EFP or LOA eligibility for 2026.
2. Once proper permitting is confirmed, MA DMF will review your proposed expenses and write a contract for agreed upon expenses. Expenses greater than the contract will not be reimbursed.
3. On-demand or on-demand-related equipment will not be reimbursable until after the contract is signed. Expenses prior to the contract will not be reimbursed.
4. MA DMF will work with the participant to set up a state vendor account for payment of reimbursable costs.
5. After the contract is signed, eligible expenses may be incurred and receipt sent to MA DMF for reimbursement.

Questions: If you have any questions about this program or the application, please email Brendan Reilly at [e-mail] and include your permit number in the subject line.