All persons interested in submitting comments on the proposed regulations may do so in writing by the date indicated in the notice. Refer to the full notice for the mailing address for submitting comments. All comments received by the date indicated in the notice will be reviewed and considered.
Upcoming Public Hearings and Comment Periods
Recreational Fishing Rules for 2024 Affecting Black Sea Bass, Scup, Summer Flounder, Cod, Haddock and the Filleting of Striped Bass
Under the provisions of G.L. c. 30A and pursuant to the authority found at G.L. c. 130, §§ 17 and 104, the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is taking public comment on recently adopted emergency regulations at 322 CMR 6.00 that: (1) set recreational fishing seasons, size limits, and bag limits for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass; and (2) clarify current rules governing the filleting of recreationally caught striped bass and adopt new requirements affecting the for-hire mode consistent with Addendum II to Amendment 6 to the Interstate Fisheries Management Plan; Additionally, DMF will be taking public comment on proposed draft regulations at 322 CMR 6.00 that set recreational fishing seasons, size limits, and bag limits for Gulf of Maine cod and haddock consistent with expected federal regulations.
A public hearing has been scheduled for Monday, May 20, 2024 at 6PM via Zoom. Please register at here. Additionally, DMF will accept written public comment through 8PM on Monday, May 20, 2024. Please submit written comments to Director Daniel McKiernan by e-mail (marine.fish@mass.gov).
Details on the specific proposals are available in the links below:
- 4/26/24 DMF Advisory
- 4/26/24 DMF Public Hearing Notice
- Draft Strikethrough Regulatory Language
- Memo on Recreational Scup, Black Sea Bass, and Summer Flounder Limits
- Memo on Striped Bass Filleting Rules
- NEFMC Recommendation on 2024 Recreational Cod and Haddock Limits