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Marine Fisheries Regulations

Whether you are a recreational or commercial fishermen or a seafood dealer, you need to stay up to date on all marine fisheries regulations.

Marine fisheries regulations are updated throughout the year. Permit holders are responsible for remaining compliant with Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) rules and regulations. DMF receives its mandate from the General Laws of the Commonwealth. It authorizes the Director of DMF to manage the Commonwealth's marine fisheries, including how often, how many, when and where fish may be taken.

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Top tasks

Recreational saltwater fishing regulations  Proposed amendments to Division of Marine Fisheries regulations  Review DMF adjudicatory hearing decisions 

What you need to know

Commercial finfish regulations  Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 130  322 CMR  Marine Fisheries Administrative Law  Marine fisheries policies   Learn about DMF's administrative law process  Commercial lobster & crab regulations  Commercial shellfish & sea urchin regulations 

Open PDF file, 1.02 MB,  Private Angler Rules Poster (English, PDF 1.02 MB)
Open PDF file, 1.62 MB,  For-Hire Vessel Rules Poster (English, PDF 1.62 MB)
Open PDF file, 2.63 MB,  2021 DMF Regulations Summary Guide (English, PDF 2.63 MB)

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