- Division of Marine Fisheries
Early insights into the future of large-scale seed-based eelgrass restoration in Massachusetts
Take a dive with DMF's Habitat Program as they collect thousands of eelgrass reproductive shoots and separate out the seeds in an effort to research and scale seed-based eelgrass restoration in Massachusetts. The process is tedious yet exhilarating and promising, and may provide a means to restore large areas of eelgrass beds.
Biodiversity and the Blue Economy
Massachusetts' Biodiversity Initiative, approved by Governor Maura Healey in August 2025, sets biodiversity goals for 2030, 2040, and 2050. These goals will include approaches to support coastal and marine habitats to rebuild biodiversity to sustain our health and well-being, food security, economy, and way of life.
Black Sea Bass Research
DMF scientists are researching black sea bass movement and migrations through tagging studies to better understand how sea bass are expanding their range and discover additional spawning grounds.
Offshore Wind Updates
Despite regulatory setbacks and uncertainty, offshore wind continues to be planned and developed. New updates are available on progress of specific projects, fishery mitigation and compensation funds, and DMF's role in facilitating engagement between offshore wind develops and the fishing industry.
Greater Boston Harbor Shellfish Opening
100 years after a national typhoid epidemic caused by the consumption of contaminated oysters led to the closure of almost all of Boston Harbor to shellfishing, areas in Winthrop, Hingham, and Hull are anticipated to soon re-open. Following the Boston Harbor clean-up project spanning over decades, water quality and environmental conditions have improved enough to allow for public access to shellfishing in these areas once new management procedures are established.
American Lobster 2025 Benchmark Stock Assessment Completed
The most recent benchmark stock assessment for American lobster is available, with separate findings across stocks and sub-stocks, and a look ahead to the future of the fishery.
Fisheries Research and Monitoring Project: Improving Stock Assessments One Fish at a Time
DMF's Fisheries Research and Monitoring Project uses port sampling to collect fishery-dependent data on the Commonwealth's commercial fisheries. Data collection includes recording lengths, weights, and ages, and better informs researchers and management on fish removals by commercial sectors.
Striped Bass Management Update: Addendum III
In October 2025, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) approved Addendum III to Amendment 7 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Striped Bass. Addendum III includes several new requirements to improve the efficacy of the existing coastwide management measures, but does not directly reduce fishery removals through quota reductions and recreational fishing seasons, as was proposed.
Creature Feature: Atlantic Menhaden
Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) are seasonal visitors in Massachusetts waters, typically arriving in late April or early May. They're important prey for striped bass, tuna, bluefish, and other local species.
Winners Announced for the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup
The winners for the 2025 Commissioner's Cup--Massachusetts' Saltwater Derby--have been announced! Winners will be honored with custom trophies of their favorite species and will be permanently recognized on the new steel trophy to be installed in Patriot Place's Bass Pro Shops.
Scorton Harbor’s Opening to Shellfish and the Retirement of Shellfish Constable Dave Deconto
Scorton Harbor in East Sandwich will open seasonally to shellfishing for the first time in 30 years. This action is a feather in the cap for Dave Deconto, the town's recently retired Shellfish Constable and Natural Resource Department Director.
2026 Quota Outlook
The commercial quotas for 2026 are described for Atlantic herring, Atlantic menhaden, black sea bass, bluefish, horseshoe crab (bait and biomedical), scup, spiny dogfish, striped bass, summer flounder, and tautog. Quotas are subject to change.
Supporting Local Seafood Markets: Innovative Outreach, Events, and Collaborations
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!
Dish on Fish: Seacuterie Board
This seacuterie is a true celebration of New England’s cold-water bounty and the people you share it with. The creamy lobster salad, Jonah crab claws with a tangy lemon-caper aioli and briny oysters with a crisp cider mignonette are complemented by crackers, herbed goat cheese, olives, capers and fall herbs.
Regulatory and Adjudicatory Updates
Regulatory Updates
Below find the changes made to DMF fishing rules by regulation, emergency action, and in-season adjustment from July 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
Adjudicatory Hearings
Below find the adjudicatory hearings initiated, in-progress, and resolved July 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
Staff Updates
Comings and Goings
Catch up on staff transitions, retirements and more.
Accolades
Staff from DMF received accolades this year for their commitment and dedication to their work.
Publications
The following publications are recent articles written or co-written by DMF staff and published in scholarly journals or the DMF Technical Series.
