On-Demand Gear Research Program

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is seeking eligible participants to fish in the MRA and SIRA February - May 2025 using on-demand (ropeless) fishing gear. Approved participants will be reimbursed the cost, or a portion of the cost, to fish with on-demand gear during this time.

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 $25,000 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. Applications are due January 31, 2025.

Eligibility

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

• Must have held a 2024 Massachusetts Commercial Coastal Lobster Permit and will or have renewed for 2025;
• 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 below 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 2024 Massachusetts Commercial Fishing Permit and have or will renew for 2025; 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 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

Coverage under a federal Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) is required for federal and dual permit holders to fish without persistent buoy lines in either state or federal waters. State-only permit holders require a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from MA DMF to fish without persistent buoy lines in state waters. MA DMF will work with state-only applicants on providing coverage under an LOA. In addition, MA DMF will provide guidance to federal and dual permit holders on potential options for EFP coverage.

How to Apply

MA DMF will be sending an application to all Massachusetts coastal lobster permit holders who replied to the letter of intent to participate. For mobile gear participants, please download an application below; there is also a generic application available for fixed-gear fishers:

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

Please review, complete all necessary sections, and mail the completed application back to Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, 836 South Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02744; or email to [e-mail]. Applications are due January 31, 2025.

Grant Selection Process:

1. Submit an application with proposed cost reimbursements
   1. MA DMF will initiate communication about permit coverage to fish without persistent buoy lines.
   2. If approved, please review and sign contract.
   3. MA DMF will work with the participant to set up a state vendor account for payment of reimbursable costs.

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