Bill > H907

This bill aims to conserve the striped bass population in Massachusetts. It prohibits the commercial harvesting and sale of wild striped bass, except for existing commercial license holders who can demonstrate historical landings and sales of over 1,000 pounds per year over the past 5 years. The bill sets a commercial catch limit based on the 5-year average annual landings for these eligible license holders, and prohibits the issuance of new commercial licenses or the transfer/sale of existing licenses. The bill also requires annual reporting of commercial catches and allows the Director of Marine Fisheries to limit or suspend commercial and recreational fishing if the fishery is in jeopardy. Finally, the bill states that the issuance of new commercial striped bass licenses will cease as of January 1, 2027.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H907