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Massachusetts State Fishery Management

States are involved in fishery management through their membership on regional councils, their state legislatures and often through cooperative research and enforcement. There are also interstate fishery management commissions established to help coordinate interstate efforts.  For example, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) coordinates efforts to manage species that are normally inshore but move seasonally along the eastern seaboard.

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is responsible for the protection and enhancement of the Commonwealth’s marine ecosystem. As stewards for marine resources, the DMF promotes and regulates commercial and recreational fishing. The DMF works with the state’s Marine Fisheries Commission, a panel of 9 volunteers who represent the Commonwealth and are appointed by the Governor. Together, these groups produce fisheries regulations that meet a set of criteria developed by the ASFMC.

Similar to the progression seen in federal fishery management, when an issue arises for a state fishery, such as reduction of spawning stocks or degradation of coastal habitat, multiple parties are provided with an opportunity to express their opinions. The DMF presents the problem to the Marine Fisheries Commission who, in turn, brings the issue to a public hearing. Based on comments generated in the public hearing, the DMF develops recommendations to resolve the pending problem. The Marine Fisheries Commission considers each recommendation and presents the preferred solution to the DMF for implementation. The DMF is obligated to make sure that all chosen recommendations conform to ASFMC standards.

Policy analyst John Pappalardo attends Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Commission meetings to continually push for the preservation of commercial inshore fisheries. He encourages resource plans that create conservation through a focus on both fish and fishermen.

Click here for additional information on the Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries.

Last updated: September 7, 2005

Today's Catch

Hookers Ball VIII - August 16th.

See the boats unload and visit the Hosts at the Chatham Fish Pier!

Report the tagged fish and receive a prize!

If you catch a haddock or cod with a tag:

• Record

• Call (toll-free): 1-866-447-2111 or e-mail: tagging@gmri.org
• Remove and mail the tag
• Receive your reward!
• Visit our tagging webpage for more information