All persons interested in submitting comments on the proposed regulations may do so in writing by the date indicated in the notice. Refer to the full notice for the mailing address for submitting comments. All comments received by the date indicated in the notice will be reviewed and considered.
Upcoming Public Hearings and Comment Periods
Public Hearing to Implement Addendum XXXII to the American Lobster Fishery Management Plan
Under the provisions of G.L. c. 30A, and pursuant to the authority found at G.L. c. 130 §§ 17A, 21, and 104, the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is taking public comment on a series of pending emergency regulations to amend 322 CMR 6.02. The purpose of these amendments is to implement Addendum XXXII to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster. In effect, this will repeal those lobster gauge size and escape vent rules adopted in late 2024 for implementation between 2025 and 2029 under Addendum XXVII to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster. DMF will accept written public comment through 5PM on Friday, May 23, 2025. Please submit written comments to Director Daniel McKiernan by e-mail (marine.fish@mass.gov). Additionally, DMF will host a virtual public hearing on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 6PM via Zoom.