Massachusetts Fishermen Hooked: Summer Flounder Season Snaps Shut Early
Published Date: 11/6/2025
Rule
Summary
Massachusetts has caught all its 2025 summer flounder commercial quota, so fishing boats can’t land summer flounder there for the rest of the year—unless more quota is shared from another state. This temporary closure starts November 7 and lasts through December 31, affecting local fishermen and seafood dealers. It’s all about keeping fish populations healthy while following the rules on how much can be caught.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Massachusetts summer flounder landings closed
If you operate a federally permitted commercial fishing vessel, you may not land summer flounder in Massachusetts effective 0001 hours November 7, 2025 through December 31, 2025, unless more quota is transferred and announced in the Federal Register. Massachusetts' revised 2025 commercial quota is 594,240 lb (269,543 kg); the 2025 total commercial quota was set at 8,761,471 lb (3,974,136 kg).
Dealers cannot buy Massachusetts landings
If you are a federally permitted seafood dealer, you may not purchase summer flounder from federally permitted vessels that land in Massachusetts effective 0001 hours November 7, 2025 through December 31, 2025, unless additional quota is transferred and announced in the Federal Register. This Federal action matches the Massachusetts state fishery closure announced October 25, 2025.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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