Massachusetts Tests Buoy-Free Ropeless Traps to Revolutionize Fishing Safety
Published Date: 10/13/2026
Notice
Summary
The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries wants special permission to test new fishing gear that doesn’t use surface buoys, which breaks some current rules. This could help fishermen fish smarter and safer by using ropeless traps. People have until October 28, 2026, to share their thoughts before a final decision is made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary access to seasonal Restricted Areas
The proposed Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) would allow up to 50 federally permitted Massachusetts lobster trap vessels to fish in seasonal Restricted Areas from 2027-01-01 through 2027-05-15. The project would allow up to 700 one-day trips and up to 14,000 total trap/pot sets and is intended to mitigate the economic impact of seasonal fishing closures.
Exemption to allow fully ropeless gear trials
The EFP requests an exemption from 50 CFR 697.21(b)(2) (gear marking requirements) to allow testing of trap/pot trawls with no surface markings (fully ropeless) for trawls of more than three traps during the trial period. The exemption would permit modified trawls that replace traditional end lines with one or two on-demand units.
Required on-demand systems, marking, and reporting rules
Participating vessels must use only approved on-demand systems (Sub Sea Sonics, Guardian, EdgeTech), virtually mark each trawl end using manufacturer marking apps integrated into the ER Buoy database (participants have access to on-demand gear within 5 miles), and MA DMF will have access via the RMW Hub. Participants must report right whale sightings, cease fishing if a large whale comes within 500 yards (457.2 meters), operate at or below 10 knots (18.52 km) when transiting Restricted Areas or when whales are observed, submit weekly gear loss reports and monthly gear conflict/loss reports to GARFO, and carry a MA DMF scientist on a subset of trips. Participants would use privately owned on-demand gear purchased with their own funds or purchased through reimbursements from a MA DMF on-demand grant program.
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Key Dates
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