Bill > H1059

This bill establishes a Fisheries Conservation Gear Grant Program administered by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries to provide funding assistance for developing and acquiring commercial fishing gear that reduces harm to marine life. The program aims to minimize mortality of juvenile fish and protected species like the Northern Right Whale while maintaining fishery sustainability. The division will conduct annual hearings to determine grant parameters and will use eligibility criteria that promote equity across geography, fishery types, gear types, and demographics. Grant recipients must be Massachusetts-based commercial fishermen with valid state or federal permits, or research institutions located in the commonwealth. Grants may require matching resources and collaboration between fishery participants and scientific institutions. The division can also retain ownership of any intellectual property developed through the program, but must make such property available through licensing under reasonable terms to eligible participants. The program is subject to appropriation, meaning funding will depend on legislative budget allocations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1059