Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $1.2 Million to Support Fishing Industry

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today nearly $1.2 million to support programs and projects that will boost the competitiveness of commercial fisheries. The Massachusetts Fisheries Innovation Fund will directly support the commercial fishing industry to develop modified fishing gear for use in offshore wind areas, address vessel safety around infrastructure, and boost consumer awareness and preference for local, healthy Massachusetts seafood.  

“Massachusetts is home to a nation-leading seafood industry and thriving blue economy. Investing in the strength and resilience of our commercial fishing industry is crucial to sustain our local economies and coastal culture,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We are proud to support our commercial fishers, who provide us with healthy, delicious seafood, all while finding ways to advance innovative research.” 

“The Massachusetts Fisheries Innovation Fund will help ensure the profitability and resiliency of our fisheries for generations to come,” said Department of Fish & Game (DFG) Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “This will directly support researchers, fishers, and industry advocates navigating offshore wind development in coastal waters. From commercial fishers to for-hire vessels to shoreside businesses, all will benefit from this unique opportunity for innovation and growth.” 

“The Division of Marine Fisheries continues to strive to facilitate the coexistence of our state’s vibrant fisheries with the ongoing development of offshore wind,” said Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) Director Dan McKiernan. “This funding opportunity, crafted by our Fisheries Innovation Fund Advisory Panel, will support our fishing industry to grow alongside the offshore wind industry. These grant awardees bring cooperative research experience, industry rapport, and innovative ideas, and will undoubtedly create impactful outcomes.” 

The Fisheries Innovation Fund, led by a nine-member Advisory Panel made up of Massachusetts fishing industry members and administered by the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), is dedicated to promoting the coexistence of the Massachusetts commercial and for-hire fishing industry with offshore wind development. The 2025 Fisheries Innovation Fund projects will have broad-reaching positive impacts for the industry, as well as seafood consumers. A total of $700,000 will be allocated to fishing innovation projects, an additional $450,000 will go towards community resilience programs, and $60,000 will fund safety initiatives. Roughly $375,000 of these funds will serve as sub-contracts to the commercial fishing industry, with approximately $275,000 going directly to commercial fishermen. Projects will also directly collaborate with over 10 individual fishing businesses, including at least three Massachusetts commercial fishing vessels.  

The 2025 Fisheries Innovation Fund grant awardees are: 

• UMass Dartmouth SMAST, Fishing Innovation, $265,984
  • Development and testing of novel lighted fish pots for black sea bass and scup, deployed within offshore wind areas, to evaluate catch rates and economic feasibility for safe, continued fishing around offshore wind infrastructure.
• Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation, Fishing Innovation, $261,443
  • Furthering the understanding of mechanical squid jigging on commercial fishing vessels to determine the efficiency and economic viability of the gear, which is compatible with offshore wind farms.
• New Bedford Port Authority, Community Resilience, $250,000
  • Improving the visibility and resilience of New Bedford’s fisheries, which operate in and adjacent to offshore wind farm areas, through marketing and promotional campaigns to strengthen visibility and consumer identity of New Bedford seafood landings and products.
• FV Martha Elizabeth, Fishing Innovation, $174,908
  • Developing, testing, and monitoring innovative fish and sea scallop traps in and adjacent to offshore wind areas to determine catch and economic viability of the gear. Conceived of by, and led by a fisherman, this project is designed to create effective fishing gear for use in offshore wind areas.
• Eating with the Ecosystem Inc., Community Resilience, $156,533
  • Public engagement events and video content featuring fishermen, chefs and home cooks on healthy, local and sustainable fish and shellfish species caught in offshore wind areas to increase public consumer awareness, acceptance, and demand.
• Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation, Safety, $60,768
  • Collaboration with a commercial fisherman and net-maker to develop, test, and monitor different bottom trawl gear configurations to use near offshore wind cable infrastructure to address safety concerns from the fishing community. 

The Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), working alongside sister agencies within EEA, helps ensure that the commercial fishing industry can remain profitable, resilient, and safe during the development of offshore wind in the region. DMF engages with the fishing industry regularly, provides easily accessible information on offshore wind development, and public comment opportunities for fishers and other stakeholders.

“The commercial fishing industry isn’t just an economic engine for Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket—it’s part of who we are. Growing up in my family’s restaurant in North Truro, I always took pride knowing the seafood on our menu had been caught by day boats just hours before. That connection between our fishermen, our coastal communities, and the food on our tables is something I cherish, and it’s something we must protect," said State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). "As offshore wind development ramps up, our fishermen deserve the tools, research, and partnerships that will help them stay safe, competitive, and resilient on the water. The Massachusetts Fisheries Innovation Fund meets the moment by investing directly in their ingenuity and expertise.”

“The fishing industry is an integral part of our economy and way of life on the Cape, Islands, and South Shore of Massachusetts," said State Senator Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth). "The support from the Massachusetts Fisheries Innovation Fund will help our fisheries become more resilient in the face of federal cuts. As state senator for the Cape and South Shore, it’s encouraging to see the Healey-Driscoll Administration continue to invest in the blue economy that supports thousands of families across our region.”

“These targeted investments represent a powerful commitment to ensuring that Massachusetts’ commercial and for-hire fishing fleets can continue to thrive as offshore wind development expands,” said State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “By supporting cutting-edge gear innovation, strengthening community resilience, and advancing safety in and around offshore wind areas, this funding honors the essential role our fishermen play in feeding our region and sustaining our coastal economy. I’m particularly encouraged that so many of these projects are driven directly by fishermen themselves, and that substantial resources will flow straight to those who work on the water every day. This is a significant step forward in advancing renewable energy while safeguarding and strengthening the fishing industry that has sustained our coastal communities for generations.”

"I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Secretary Tepper for putting resources directly into the hands of our fishermen and local businesses to develop practical solutions. I am especially proud to see the New Bedford Port Authority receiving funding to showcase the quality and sustainability of our local seafood. Our fishermen’s expertise and dedication deserve that recognition, and our fisheries will become more resilient through the Massachusetts Fisheries Innovation Fund," said State Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral (D-New Bedford). "New Bedford’s fishing fleet has been the backbone of our community for generations and remains the highest-value fishing port in the nation. These investments are crucial to ensuring our fishermen remain competitive while embracing new technology that will sustain this vital industry for future generations."

“New Bedford has long been the most profitable fishing port in the United States, generating hundreds of millions in landings each year and serving as an anchor of the South Coast economy,” said State Representative Chris Hendricks (D-New Bedford). “As our fishermen confront the growing challenges of offshore wind development and shifting ocean conditions, this $1.2 million in funding is not just timely, but essential. These investments will help ensure that New Bedford’s commercial fishing industry continues to modernize, stay competitive, and thrive for decades to come.” 

“Commercial fishing isn’t just one of Massachusetts’ oldest industries, it’s the backbone of so many coastal communities, including some that I represent,” said State Representative Kathleen LaNatra (D-Kingston). “Our fishermen have weathered generations of change, and they continue to adapt in an environment that grows more challenging every year. This investment helps ensure they have the tools, research, and support needed to stay safe, competitive, and successful. As House Chair of the Coastal Caucus, I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Division of Marine Fisheries for their continued commitment to the people who make their living on the water.” 

“Fishing is a cornerstone of the economy across the Cape and Islands, and the Massachusetts Fisheries Innovation Fund will help our beloved fisheries and fishermen adapt and thrive. Thank you, Healey-Driscoll Administration and Secretary Tepper, for directing these funds to bolster one of our most significant local industries and for your dedication to preserving our State’s character,” said State Representative Hadley Luddy (D-Orleans).

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