Conservation of Protected Marine Species

The Division of Marine Fisheries has participated in numerous programs to protect endangered marine mammals and sea turtles. The following projects are a portion of what we do to protect these species.

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) works to protect marine mammals and marine reptiles that use Massachusetts waters. These species are protected by the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. DMF has implemented a range of fixed gear regulations and vessel speed restrictions meant to reduce the risk of entanglement and ship strike for large whales and sea turtles in the Commonwealth. In addition, DMF collaborates with partners on research and conservation projects that monitor protected species and mitigate and minimize human impacts.  

Protected Species Regulations

As a part of the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team, DMF regulates both fishing activity and vessel activity to protect right whales. We limit participation in commercial fixed gear fisheries that may entangle right whales; require fixed gear to be removed from state waters at times and in places when right whales are known to aggregate; and require fixed gear to be modified at other times of the year when right whales are rarely present to reduce the risk of injury or mortality should a large whale become entangled and ensure gear is identifiable to Massachusetts fisheries. DMF also regulates vessel speed to reduce interactions with right whales.

Protected Species Regulations 

Protected Species Research and Conservation Efforts

DMF collaborates with a variety of partners on research and conservation work to monitor protected species and mitigate and minimize human impacts. These programs include aerial and acoustic monitoring, disentanglement efforts, and derelict gear removal. 

Protected Species Monitoring and Mitigation 

In addition, DMF invests in and promotes the research and development of cost-effective alternative fishing technology, including on-demand (commonly called “ropeless gear”) fishing systems, focused on reducing entanglement risk to protected species.

On-Demand Gear Research