Bill > H131

This bill proposes to modify Massachusetts fishing regulations by allowing commercial lobster fishermen with valid state permits to fish year-round in Massachusetts state waters. Specifically, the legislation would override any existing state laws that currently restrict fishing seasons, granting permit holders the ability to fish for 12 months per year. The bill defines the state waters using the boundaries established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS), an international maritime treaty that defines maritime zones and territorial waters. By removing seasonal limitations, the bill aims to provide commercial lobster fishermen with more flexibility and potentially increased economic opportunities by extending their fishing period throughout the entire year. The proposed change would be implemented and enforced by the Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries, which would be required to issue permits and oversee the expanded fishing access.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H131