Bill > S475

This bill establishes the Marine Fisheries Research Council within the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Institute, tasked with conducting analysis and research to inform the management of commercial and recreational fishing by both federal and state governments. The council will be chaired by the Director of the Division of Marine Fisheries and will include the Chancellor of the University of Dartmouth, representatives from participating Massachusetts higher education institutions, and members representing various sectors of commercial fishing (trawling, gillnet, and hook), recreational fishing (by vessel and from shore), and environmental organizations. The council's role will be to encourage participation from academic and research institutions, coordinate their research efforts, and foster collaboration with those involved in the Commonwealth's fisheries to produce timely and credible research for fisheries management.