- Department of Fish and Game
- Division of Marine Fisheries
Media Contact
Julia E. Hopkins, Communications Director
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today the award of $25,000 by the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) to the Towns of Chatham and Edgartown for improvements to recreational fishing piers. Funded by the sale of saltwater fishing licenses through the Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Fund, projects will increase opportunities for anglers and access for all to Massachusetts marine waters.
“As an avid angler, it’s important to me that residents and visitors alike can access the world-class recreational fishing opportunities our state has to offer,” said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “Fishing is part of our coastal heritage and identity—by improving amenities at our state’s public access piers, we can ensure all have the opportunity to cast a line, catch a fish, and create lifelong memories.”
“These projects will not only improve opportunities for anglers who fish from the shore on the Cape and Islands, but they will also boost the Commonwealth’s blue economy,” said DMF Director Dan McKiernan. “We are excited to further long-standing state and local partnerships to improve public access to our spectacular coastline and fisheries.”
The following projects were awarded saltwater recreational fishing grants:
- Town of Chatham—$12,000 The Town of Chatham will receive $12,000 to install mounted, throwable life preserver rings with necessary storage and equipment at twelve popular shore fishing locations. This relatively small investment will protect public safety for anglers and visitors alike and provide benefits for years to come.
- The Town of Edgartown—$13,000 The Town of Edgartown will receive $13,000 to install lighting, fillet stations, and washdown stations at Dock Street and North Morse Street. These amenities will improve the fishing experience for all anglers and increase public access to the waters of Martha’s Vineyard.
The Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Fund was established in 2011 when the Massachusetts Legislature created the first state recreational saltwater fishing permit to comply with a federal mandate to improve estimates of saltwater fishing effort and catch data. Administered by DMF and overseen by the Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Panel, the fund supports fisheries research, management, and public access programs. Under state law, one-third of all permit fees collected are dedicated to recreational saltwater fishing infrastructure projects in Massachusetts, ensuring better access to coastal fishing for all.
“As a proud advocate for our coastal communities, I’m thrilled to see these investments in public access for recreational fishing," said State Senator Julian Cyr (D—Cape and Islands). "By making these activities safer and more convenient for our residents and visitors alike, we ensure that outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy our world-class marine resources for the next generation.”
“Congratulations to the Town of Chatham for receiving funding from the Healey-Driscoll Administration to enhance the safety of their community fishing piers,” said State Representative Hadley Luddy (D—4th Barnstable). “Fishing is an integral part of our community activities in Chatham, and this funding will benefit our locals and visitors alike."
"Thank you to DMF and to town employees and volunteers for their work on this project that will benefit both local and visiting fishermen enjoying the beautiful waters of Edgartown," said State Representative Thomas Moakley (D—Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket).
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Media Contact
Department of Fish and Game
