Massachusetts Fishermen Seek Rule-Breaking Permit for Science
Published Date: 12/5/2025
Notice
Summary
The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries wants special permission to test new fishing gear that doesn’t follow some usual rules, like using no surface buoys. This could help improve fishing methods and safety for federally permitted vessels. People have until December 22, 2025, to share their thoughts before a final decision is made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary access to restricted areas
Selected federally permitted Massachusetts lobster trap vessels may fish in certain seasonal Restricted Areas from February 1, 2026 through May 15, 2026. The project would allow up to 50 vessels to make up to 700 one-day trips, with up to 20 sets per trip (up to 14,000 total sets).
Exemption from surface-buoy marking rule
The EFP requests an exemption from 50 CFR 697.21(b)(2) to allow testing of trap/pot trawls with no surface markings (fully ropeless) for trawls of more than three traps in the restricted areas. The exemption would permit use of modified trawls without persistent vertical lines during the trial period.
On-demand gear purchase reimbursements available
Participants may use privately owned on-demand gear purchased with their own funds or gear purchased through reimbursements from an on-demand grant program operated by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. The notice says participants may be reimbursed through that MA DMF grant program.
Gear-location sharing via EarthRanger required
Participants must virtually mark each end of their trawls using the on-demand system and integrate gear-marking with the EarthRanger cloud database so EarthRanger users can see all set on-demand gear within 5 miles. MA DMF will also have access to all on-demand set locations through EarthRanger.
EFP does not waive other laws or state permits
The permit would only exempt vessels from the specified Federal regulation in Federal waters; it would not exempt vessels from any state requirements, the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, or other laws. The applicant would be responsible for obtaining any required state authorizations.
Operational safety and reporting requirements
Participating vessels must follow risk-reduction practices such as reporting all right whale sightings, retrieving on-demand lines quickly, adhering to a 500-yard approach buffer, stopping hauling if a whale is within 500 yards, maintaining a 10-knot speed limit in Restricted Areas, and providing weekly gear loss reports. MA DMF will provide monthly gear conflict/loss reports to NMFS and law enforcement will be notified of participants.
Confidential collection of some deployment and catch data
MA DMF may collect data considered confidential — including on-demand specific deployment locations and catch information — and those confidential data will not be made public. Standardized data collection sheets will be provided to participants.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14204, Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary; Delay of Effective Date
NOAA is giving everyone more time before the rule that bans grappling or anchoring on Lake Ontario shipwrecks kicks in. Instead of starting in July 2026, this rule is now delayed until September 2028 to let NOAA set up mooring buoys and work with divers and boaters. This means boaters and commercial vessels can keep anchoring safely while NOAA gets everything ready without rushing.
2026-14195, Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are wiping away the official definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act starting September 14, 2026. This change affects anyone involved in protecting endangered plants and animals by shifting how “harm” is understood and enforced. It’s a big move that could change how projects and protections are handled, but no new costs or deadlines are added right now.
2026-07536, Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Geophysical Surveys in the Gulf of America
Starting April 20, 2026, NOAA is setting new rules for companies doing geophysical surveys in the Gulf of America to protect marine mammals. These rules let companies get permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals but require them to minimize harm and report what they find. This plan lasts five years and helps balance ocean research with saving sea life.
2026-05599, Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256, Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-20356, Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Quota Transfer From North Carolina to Massachusetts
North Carolina is sharing part of its 2026 summer flounder fishing quota with Massachusetts to help balance the catch between states. This change kicks in on October 2, 2026, and lasts until the end of the year. Fishermen in both states will see updated limits, making sure the fishery stays fair and sustainable.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21996, Notice of Determinations; Culturally Significant Objects Being Imported for Exhibition-Determinations: “New Humans: Memories of the Future” Exhibition
The U.S. government has approved special cultural objects to be temporarily shown in the “New Humans: Memories of the Future” exhibition at The New Museum in New York. This means these important items from other countries can be displayed here because it benefits the public and the nation. The exhibition might also travel to other places, giving more people a chance to see these cool objects.
Next: 2025-21998, Appraisal Subcommittee; Notice of Meeting
The Appraisal Subcommittee is holding a virtual meeting on December 10, 2025, to discuss important updates and review reports about property appraisals. Anyone interested must register in advance to join the live webcast. This meeting affects appraisers, state agencies, and anyone involved in property valuation, with no direct costs but important info on compliance and grants.