News  Construction Underway at the Deer Island Fishing Pier

A fishing pier providing access to Boston Harbor was first conceived by our Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Panel in 2012. At the time, with several successful pier projects on the Cape and Islands completed or in the pipeline, the Panel members had stressed to DMF that seeking out an urban opportunity for a future large-scale fishing access project would benefit a wider range of anglers. Among the many ideas that were thrown out for a potential fishing pier location was Deer Island in East Boston. 

Even at first sight, the area looked promising. Further evaluation by staff biologists and local fishing experts agreed—the site was a suitable location to provide much-needed public access to fish the natural resources of Boston Harbor. In 2015, once the schedule of previously planned access projects allowed, the Panel officially endorsed the development of a recreational fishing pier at Deer Island.

What followed was a long and at times arduous process of permitting, planning, and design of the pier. DMF worked with other state and local agencies, stakeholders, and Foth Engineering to take the Deer Island Fishing Pier from a concept to a shovel-ready project. Fast forward to late July 2019 when, under the direction of ACK Marine & General Contracting, a backhoe began dissembling a section of the rip rap at Deer Island in order to make room for the pier! 

Getting to this point required DMF’s close cooperation with two other entities: the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and the Department of Fish & Game’s Office of Fishing and Boating Access (FBA). In addition to operating the Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is critical for protecting Boston Harbor against pollution from metropolitan Boston sewer systems, the MWRA also manages the public access areas of Deer Island. These include sixty acres of open space and 2.6 miles of handicapped accessible walking paths providing views of the Boston skyline, Boston Harbor and the harbor islands, Broad Sound, and Logan airport. The FBA provides essential support to DMF throughout the many phases of construction management for public access projects.  

This past summer, the seawall was poured followed by the addition of steel pilings. ACK Marine & General Contracting has been meticulously assembling the structure into the winter. Construction will be continuing into 2020, and soon there will be decking and ADA compliant railings added. The pier is on schedule to be completed this spring. There will be parking and bus service available for the fishing public who would like to travel to this beautiful spot on the Massachusetts coastline.

During construction, schools of striped bass have been seen blitzing within casting distance from the end of the pier. Local angling professionals have told tales of the winter flounder they’ve caught in the footprint of this location. Bluefish and tautog are no stranger to these waters either. It’s a given that a certain number of fish will be harvested form this steel and timber structure. More than that though, memories of good days with family and friends spanning generations will be formed.

This projected is funded by the Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Fund which is financed through the sale of recreational saltwater fishing permits. One third of the fund is dedicated to providing anglers with public access to saltwater fishing opportunities. 

By Ross Kessler, Public Access Coordinator
 

This projected is funded by the Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Fund which is financed through the sale of recreational saltwater fishing permits. One third of the fund is dedicated to providing anglers with public access to saltwater fishing opportunities.