- Division of Marine Fisheries
DMF’s Large Whale Passive Acoustic Monitoring Program is Underway!
DMF’s Protected Species Program has recently launched a passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) network in Massachusetts state waters and adjacent federal waters. The primary goal of the monitoring effort is to improve our understanding of the spatial and temporal presence of right whales in Massachusetts coastal waters and inform current and future conservation measures to protect them.
Building Capacity for Large-scale, Seed-based Eelgrass Restoration in Massachusetts
Despite extensive efforts to restore eelgrass in Massachusetts, they have historically not resulted in self-sustaining, resilient eelgrass beds. Seed-based restoration is a promising solution to scale-up effort with higher success. DMF is collaborating with research organizations to explore this more deeply.
The Massachusetts Saltwater Derby Reimagined: The Commissioner’s Cup
For decades, Massachusetts anglers have competed to catch the largest saltwater fish in Massachusetts, dating back to the historic Governor’s Cup. Now, in 2025, DMF’s Recreational Fisheries Program is inviting anglers to celebrate this long tradition as they embark on a new chapter of the Derby: The Commissioner’s Cup. With new rules, easier ways to enter, and a new showcase trophy, the reimagined derby should ignite a renewed spirit of competition and excitement for the 2025 season.
Commercial Fisheries Commission Meets for First Time
The Massachusetts Commercial Fisheries Commission (CFC) met for the first time on April 8, 2025. The CFC was established by the Massachusetts legislature in 2022. During the first meeting, leadership aimed to effectively concentrate the scope and goals of this new public body, and to develop strategies for implementation through feedback from Commission members.
DMF Hosts First-Ever Marine Quest Festival in Salem
On June 14, DMF invited the public to their first-ever Marine Quest, a free, educational outdoor event for children and families at the Cat Cove Marine Laboratory in Salem. The festival was an opportunity for the Division to showcase everything they do—from innovative research and managing sustainable fisheries to protecting endangered marine species and habitat restoration.
Striped Bass Management 2025 Updates
In December 2024, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Striped Bass Management Board initiated Draft Addendum III to Amendment 7 to consider management actions in response to the 2024 Stock Assessment for Atlantic Striped Bass. Draft Addendum III has the potential to change commercial and recreational fishery regulations coastwide beginning as soon as 2026.
Updated MassFishHunt Permitting System
The MassFishHunt recreational fishing and hunting permitting system transitioned to an updated online platform in May. The most notable change is that customers now log into MassFishHunt using MyMassGov—a secure service that allows users to sign in to multiple Massachusetts state applications with a single account and password. After completing a one-time registration with MyMassGov, users will log into MassFishHunt—and other state applications with the same credentials (email and password).
The Closure of the DMF Shellfish Purification Plant: End of an Era or New Beginning?
After nearly 100 years in operation and more than 60 years under DMF ownership, the Newburyport Shellfish Depuration Plant has closed due to severe erosion. Although there is uncertainty surrounding the future of contaminated shellfish harvest in Massachusetts, there is hope for these fisheries.
A Few Ways You Can Help Striped Bass This Summer
As another season of striped bass fishing gets underway in Massachusetts, DMF is continuing our work to make the fishery as enjoyable and sustainable, as possible through new research and resources.
Creature Feature: Atlantic Halibut
Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) is the largest flatfish found in Massachusetts waters and one of the largest fish in the Gulf of Maine. Adults can reach lengths over 7 feet and weigh more than 600 pounds, though individuals this size are rare today.
New Regulations for Shore-Based Shark Fishing
DMF has adopted several new rules affecting shore-based shark fishing in Massachusetts for this coming season. These consider gear type, bait, location, and timing of fishing activity.
Celebrating Recreational Saltwater Fishing in Massachusetts
This spring, DMF’s Recreational Fisheries Program collaborated with talented illustrator Jay Talbot to re-envision our “FishMA” sticker. In an effort to capture some of the amazing diversity of saltwater species and the thrill of saltwater fishing in Massachusetts, the team worked with Jay to create a series of stickers that celebrate our favorite fishes.
Diadromous Fish Run Update - Spring 2025
A new season means several new updates, including a river herring counting workshop, successful fish passage restoration projects, and herring run counts.
Angling for Success
The DMF Saltwater Angler Education Program was awarded the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) Inclusive and Accessible Event grant! This has allowed the program to purchase new rods and tackle for new anglers to use during angler education fishing clinics.
Massachusetts Waters: Seasonal Right Whale Habitat
North Atlantic right whales return each year to feed in Cape Cod Bay and coastal Massachusetts waters in the early winter through late spring. New monitoring efforts allow DMF and collaborating researchers to better understand large whale behavior and movement.
Promising Signs for Horseshoe Crab in Massachusetts
Monitoring programs for horseshoe crabs in Massachusetts are showing promising signs of increasing abundance. 90% of Massachusetts spawning beach surveys show an increasing trend over the last decade. DMF’s annual seine survey has seen above normal numbers of crabs each of the last ten years. The last two coastwide stock assessments conducted by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission in 2019 and 2024 showed abundance in Massachusetts has been increasing since horseshoe crab management started in 1998, citing data from DMF’s semi-annual trawl survey.
Supporting Local Seafood Through Outreach and Collaboration
DMF’s Seafood Marketing Program aims to increase consumer demand and preference for local seafood products and support local fisheries through education and awareness. Part of the program’s role is to attend local seafood, food, and outreach shows and conferences to share resources on local seafood, learn from industry members, and grow DMF’s network of fishermen, seafood dealers, restaurants, educators, and more!
DMF Accolades - 2025 Q1 and Q2
Staff from DMF and other state agencies have already received accolades this year for their commitment and dedication to their work.
Dish on Fish: Pan-Seared Sole (Flounder) with Cherry Tomato and Caper-Shallot Toppers
Flaky, delicate flounder fillets meet two vibrant toppings in this quick, easy, and versatile dinner recipe. One sauce is sweet and bright with blistered cherry tomatoes, while the other is briny and rich with shallots, capers, and white wine. Serve with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavor!
DMF Comings & Goings - 2025 Q1 and Q2
Meet the new faces at DMF and catch up on other staff transitions, retirements, and more.
Regulatory Updates - 2025 Q1 and Q2
Below find the changes made to DMF fishing rules by regulation, emergency action, and in-season adjustment from January 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025.
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