Bill > H4227

This bill establishes a Fisheries Conservation Gear Grant Program in Massachusetts, subject to appropriation, to provide funding for research, development, and acquisition of commercial fishing gear that limits or eliminates the mortality of juvenile or other non-harvestable fish, as well as harms or mortality to protected species like the Northern Right Whale. The program will be administered by the Division of Marine Fisheries, which will hold regular hearings to determine the size, type, and scope of the grants. Eligibility is limited to fishing industry participants in Massachusetts with valid commercial fisheries permits, and institutions of higher learning or research organizations located in the commonwealth. The division may retain ownership of any intellectual property developed through the program, but must make it available to those eligible for grant funding under reasonable terms.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Agriculture (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4227