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The Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission (MFAC) met virtually on March 27, 2025 and reviewed and approved a suite of final regulatory recommendations from the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). Following the MFAC approval, DMF will commence with the final rule-making process and anticipates updated rules will go into effect later this spring. Formal announcements will be made to communicate each rule change.
The final DMF recommendations approved by the MFAC address: (1) false albacore and bonito management; (2) striped bass total length measurement; (3) shore-based shark fishing; (4) the mechanized and remote-controlled deployment of baits by rod and reel fishers; (5) commercial menhaden management; (6) commercial summer flounder management; (7) state waters groundfish management; (7) conch pot management rules in the federal zone for state permitted fishers; (8) the recreational black sea bass season; (9) the sale and use of Pacific lugworms as bait; (10) oceanic whitetip shark retention; and (11) paperwork requirements for dogfish fins offered for sale in Massachusetts.
A summary of the March MFAC meeting, including more complete descriptions of the approved recommendations stated above, is now available and a recording of the business meeting has been posted to our YouTube Channel. The MFAC is currently scheduled to meet again at 9AM on April 24, 2025 at the Kingston Town House (26 Evergreen Street, Kingston, MA). Materials for this meeting will be published to the MFAC’s website at least two businesses days prior to the meeting. Please e-mail DMF for more information or to be added to DMF’s mailing list for MFAC meetings.
The Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission is a nine-member public body appointed by the Governor. The purpose of the MFAC is to advise DMF on issues related to fisheries management and approve regulations governing fishing activity.
Please visit our website: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.
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