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
Public Comment on Draft Commercial Lobster and Crab Trap Buoy Line Marking Regulations
published 3:30PM on April 16, 2021
Under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 30A and pursuant to the authority found at M.G.L. c. 130 §§ 17A and 104, the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is taking public comment and holding a virtual public hearing on draft regulations to amend 322 CMR 4.00 and 12.00. These draft regulations will implement new protected species regulations affecting buoy line marking in the commercial lobster and crab trap fishery. The purpose of this detailed gear marking requirement is to effectively identify the geographic origin of any buoy lines that may be found on an entangled large whale or a sea turtle.
Public Hearing
DMF has scheduled a virtual public hearing for Tuesday, May 11 at 6PM. You must register in advance to attend this public hearing. A follow up e-mail will then be sent providing login and call in information. To register, click here. Once you register, login and call information will be provided. A recording of the public hearing will be published to DMF’s YouTube channel.
Written Public Comment
Written public comment will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2021. Submit written comments to marine.fish@mass.gov or by post (251 Causeway Street, Suite 400, Boston, MA 02114).
Documents for Public Hearing
- May 11, 2021 Pubic Hearing Video Recording
- May 11, 2021 Public Hearing Presentation
- Public Hearing Notice
- Strikethrough Regulations
- 4/9/21 Memorandum to MFAC
Please contact Jared Silva (jared.silva@mass.gov) for more information.
Recent Public Hearings and Comment Periods
Public Comment on Draft Commercial Fishing Regulations
published 1:45PM on March 5, 2021
Under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 30A and pursuant to the authority found at M.G.L. c. 130, §§ 17A, 80, 100A, and 104, the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is taking public comment and holding a virtual public hearing on draft regulations to amend 322 CMR 4.00, 6.00 and 7.00. These draft regulations affect commercial striped bass fishing, the open access menhaden fishery, black sea bass potting, bluefin tuna purse seining, and mobile gear fishing.
Public Hearing
DMF has scheduled a virtual public hearing for Monday, March 29 at 6PM. You must register in advance to attend this public hearing. A follow up e-mail will then be sent providing login and call in information. To register, click here. Once you register, login and call information will be provided. A recording of the public hearing will be published to DMF’s YouTube channel.
Written Public Comment
Written public comment will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, April 2, 2021. Submit written comments to marine.fish@mass.gov or by post (251 Causeway Street, Suite 400, Boston, MA 02114).
Documents for Public Hearing
Please contact Jared Silva (jared.silva@mass.gov) for more information.