The Division of Marine Fisheries manages the state’s commercial and recreational saltwater fisheries and oversees other services that support the marine environment and fishing communities.
Quick Links
Contact Us

Phone
Main
(617) 626-1520
Fax
(617) 626-1509
Who We Serve
The Division of Marine Fisheries serves the recreational and commercial fishing industry, as well as other interested parties, through research, management, and permitting.
Advisories and Legal Notices
- 2/6/25: ASMFC/MAFMC Scoping Hearings on Recreational Sector Separation and Data Collection Amendment for Summer Flounder, Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Bluefish
- 2/6/25: ASMFC Initiates Addendum to Repeal Pending Gauge and Escape Vent Size Changes
- 2/5/25: Reminder on Lobster Bycatch Rules for Offshore Trawlers
- 2/5/25: ASMFC Public Hearings on Northern Shrimp Draft Amendment 4
- 2/1/25: Emergency Shellfish Closure in Hyannis Harbor (SC27.0 and 27.5) Related to SSO Discharge
- 2/1/25: Massachusetts Restricted Area Wedge Closure to Trap/Pot Gear Upheld and Effective February 1 - Compliance Assistance Available
- View more
Important links
- Subscribe to DMF advisories and updates!
- Massachusetts Offshore Wind - DIRECT COMPENSATION NOW OPEN FOR SOUTH FORK WIND
- The Striped Bass Citizen Scientist Project
- Sportfish Angler Data Collection Team
- Proposed Regulatory Amendments and Public Hearings
- Marine Fisheries Relief Programs and Grant Opportunities
- Commercial Fishing Rules
- Seasonal Trap Gear Closure Reminder (map)
- Trap Gear Buoyline Modifications
- Sea Scallop Dredging Policy and Guidelines
- Mobile Gear Closure Maps and Coordinates
- Recreational Fishing Rules
- Get Your Striped Bass License Plate
Social media links
Our Organizations
The following industry and government collaborative groups aid DMF in the fisheries management process.
What would you like to do?
- Saltwater Fishing Derby
- Recreational Lobster Fishing
- Massachusetts Seafood
- Shellfish Sanitation and Management
- Marine Fisheries Publications
- Fisheries Assessments and Surveys
- Recreational and Diadromous Fisheries Research
- Fisheries Habitat Restoration and Monitoring
- Marine Fisheries Management
- Fishing Community Support and Outreach
- Recreational Saltwater Fishing
- Commercial Fishing
- Marine Fisheries Advisories and Legal Notices
- Conservation of Protected Marine Species
Featured Topics
Recreational Saltwater Fishing
Buy your saltwater fishing permit, learn how and where to fish, and find out about the rules.