- Division of Marine Fisheries
Horseshoe Crab Protection Enhanced in Massachusetts
Beginning this year, spawning horseshoe crabs received the added protection of a continuous 7 ½ week no-harvest closure from mid-April through June 7. This new rule replaced the state’s intermittent 5-day “lunar closures” that surrounded each new and full moon in the spring. This proposal was supported by the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission to enhance conservation by maximizing the spawning potential of the local populations.
DMF Shellfish Labs Tackle New Climate Change Threats
In recent years, the shellfish resource in Massachusetts has been increasingly impacted by new threats driven largely by climate change which necessitated a major expansion of the analytical capabilities of our labs.
Striped Bass Addendum II Approved, All Eyes on 2024 Stock Assessment
This past January, the interstate Striped Bass Management Board approved Addendum II to the management plan with the goal of keeping the stock on a positive track to rebuild by 2029. The Addendum, which all states implemented by the May 1 deadline, continued the 28–31" slot limit for the ocean recreational fisheries that was adopted by emergency action in 2023.
Navigating On the Water User Group Conflicts in the Boston Harbor Menhaden Fishery
Our state waters are a rich environment and help support commercial and recreational fisheries among many other opportunities for access and enjoyment of our coastline. At times, whether due to the vagaries of nature or demand for some species or experience, conflicts can arise between different user groups. When these situations occur, a central role of DMF is helping to reduce conflict around our publicly held natural resources. Such a situation arose during the summer of 2023 when a relative shortage of menhaden in and around Boston Harbor led to conflicts on the water and multiple calls for DMF to act.
The 2024 Right Whale Season
Thus far, 2024 has been a mixed bag for the North Atlantic right whale population with some setbacks in protection and recovery, as well as bright spots in conservation efforts.
Environmental DNA (eDNA): A new tool for Monitoring Marine Resources
The analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) is an emerging technique that can be used to monitor species’ presence, distribution, and habitat use. eDNA is genetic material that is naturally shed into the environment by organisms that can be easily collected by water sampling and filtration. eDNA analysis has the potential to improve our understanding of the distribution of a variety of marine species and to complement existing monitoring methods.
Offshore Wind Update
In the last six months, DMF engaged in numerous stakeholder events, participated in scientific conferences and workshops, submitted letters to BOEM, and has been heavily engaged in the Gulf of Maine planning. DMF also assisted in the development and review of fisheries compensations plans among a variety of offshore wind projects in Southern New England.
Creature Feature: Atlantic Sturgeon
Sturgeon are ancient fish dating back at least 70 million years (with fossil records as old as 120 million years). Two species can be found along the East Coast of North America from southern Canada to northern Florida: the Atlantic sturgeon and the shortnose sturgeon.
Public Access Update: Your Saltwater License Fees at Work
By state law, one third of the fees collected from the sale of saltwater recreational fishing permits are dedicated to supporting public access for saltwater fishing. Over the years, this funding source has supported projects ranging from multi-million-dollar fishing piers to forty-five-dollar garbage receptacles. Here’s what your saltwater license fees have been funding lately.
MOOR Grant Funds Enhanced Angler Clinic in New Bedford
DMF’s Angler Education Program applied for and received $7,800 from the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) through their Inclusive and Accessible Outdoor Recreation Grant Program. With these funds, DMF partnered with the New Bedford Parks, Recreation and Beaches Department to host an in-person saltwater angler education fishing clinic at the Fort Taber Fish Pier on June 22.
Dr. Michael P. Armstrong named recipient of 2024 Belding Award
In June, the Division of Marine Fisheries and the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission bestowed the 2024 Belding Award on DMF’s Dr. Michael P. Armstrong. This award honors individuals whose work does the most to promote the conservation and sustainable use of the Commonwealth’s marine resources. Mike has achieved this status across his 30-plus years as a marine biologist and fisheries manager at DMF, were above-all he has fought the good fight for data-driven conservation and sound management.
Introducing the MA Dept. of Fish & Game's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan
The Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game is proud to present Connections: Working Together for Nature, a bold five-year strategic plan for conserving nature for people and wildlife. Created collaboratively across the four divisions—including the Division of Marine Fisheries—Connections: Working Together for Nature creates a unifying vision for the Department, focusing our work on solutions at the intersection of biodiversity, climate change, and environmental justice.
Developing Biodiversity Goals for the Commonwealth
Public Input Sought
As we develop our final recommendations to the Healey-Driscoll Administration this fall, we are looking for public feedback. As supporters of the Division of Marine Fisheries, your voice is critically important—we want to hear what your priorities are for conserving marine biodiversity and sustainable fisheries for future generations. That’s why the Department of Fish & Game is hosting two virtual public listening sessions on July 17, 12-2 pm and July 23, 6-8 pm to share an update on progress to develop nation-leading biodiversity conservation goals and offer an opportunity for the public to offer feedback.
Promoting Massachusetts Seafood
DMF’s Seafood Marketing Program seeks to increase consumer awareness and preference for local seafood products. The program supports the state’s commercial fishing and seafood industries and communities. Check out a few of our 2024 program highlights.
Dish on Fish: Black Sea Bass & Asparagus in Rice Paper En Papillote
This recipe comes to DMF via our Seafood Marketing Grant Program. The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center published this recipe in a School of Fish Recipe Book to infuse sustainable seafood into culinary arts programs.
DMF Comings & Goings - 2024 Q1 and Q2
Meet the new faces at DMF and catch up on other staff transitions, retirements, and more.
Adjudicatory Proceedings - 2024 Q1 and Q2
Read on to learn about the adjudicatory hearings that took place in the first half of 2024.
Regulatory Updates - 2024 Q1 and Q2
Read on to find the changes made to DMF fishing rules by regulation, emergency action, and in-season adjustment from January 1–June 30, 2024.
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Additional Resources for DMF News 2024 Q1 & Q2
