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Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF)
DMF Monitoring Presence of Right Whales in Coastal Waters
DMF is closely monitoring the presence of North Atlantic right whales in our coastal waters. From April 18, 2023 through April 28, 2023 aerial and acoustic surveillance conducted by the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the National Marine Fisheries Service detected high densities of right whales in Cape Cod Bay. On April 26, 2023 the aerial surveillance team detected 20 right whales in Cape Cod Bay, including 3 mother/calf pairs. A subsequent flight in Massachusetts Bay on April 27, 2023 detected one right whale on the southeast corner of Stellwagen Bank.
Update on Recreational Black Sea Bass and Scup Limits for 2023
Massachusetts DMF 2023 Recreational Tautog Regulations
Ryan Collins Update on Holtec Petition
Help Us Surpass 5,000 Signatures!
I am happy to report that we are about to hit 5,000 signatures on our petition asking Holtec CEO Krishna P. Singh to not dump radioactive water into Cape Cod Bay. AMAZING WORK EVERYONE!
To sign the petition please click on the link to Radioactive Water into Cape Cod Bay and check it out and leave a comment. To sign the petition please click on the following link: https://www.change.org/p/holtec-please-don-t-dump-radioactive-water-into-cape-cod-bay
We are making an impact with this petition and people in power are already starting to pay attention.
Ryan Collins started this petition to Holtec CEO Krishna P. Singh, Kelly Trice (President, Holtec Decommissioning International, and David Noyes (Holtec Senior Compliance Manager).
When my father and my uncles were growing up on the shore of Cape Cod Bay, just a couple miles south of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant, they played witness to the construction of the power plant, and watched as the lush green coastline, which my father described to me as “paradise”, was turned into an industrial no-man’s land.
Today thanks to Holtec, the company responsible for decommissioning the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant, we have begun dismantling this eye-sore, and hopefully, cleaning up the mess which my generation has inherited, and that future generations to come will also inherit. I am most thankful that the decommissioning of this plant has begun, and I appreciate Holtec’s expertise in ensuring this project is done in a responsible manner.
However, to my astonishment, it appears that Holtec is considering to dump 1.1 millions gallons of contaminated wastewater into Cape Cod Bay. There are of course several other alternatives to dumping the water into Cape Cod Bay (like trucking it to an offsite facility) but dumping the water into the bay is by far the cheapest option.
On Monday January 23rd there was a meeting at Plymouth Town Hall of the Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel (NDCAP), which advises the Governor and educates citizens across the state on activities related to the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station shut down.
To summarize the meeting, Holtec said they won't release the water until they receive a permit which allows them to do so. However, Holtec still wants to dump the water. During the meeting I heard many intelligent statements being made about what is legal and what is not legal. I also heard many intelligent statements being made about nuclear science, pollutants, and chemistry.
Nevertheless I feel the people from Holtec are missing the point. There is something here that is more important than the law. There is something here that is more important than the science. Though the proposed dumping is plainly illegal, and though the National Academy of Sciences concludes there is in fact no "safe" level of exposure to ionizing radiation (see the BEIR VII Report), the ultimate issue here is a moral one...
The people, the tens of thousands of residents of Plymouth and Cape Cod, and the million tourists who visit this area each year, have made it clear that we would prefer for this water to not be released into our beloved Cape Cod Bay. The wishes of people, the real human beings who live here in the shadow of the nuclear plant, ought to supersede all the science, the permits etc.
In fact, every Town on Cape Cod, every Town on Martha's Vineyard, as well as Duxbury, and Scituate, have either passed Town Meeting Articles or ballot questions opposing dumping. The Plymouth Select Board has been unanimous in its opposition. When we say the People are opposed, we are not simply opining on that matter; rather, the clear face of the electoral evidence demonstrates we are factually correct.
My goal in starting this petition is to kindly ask that Holtec CEO Krishna P. Singh retract his plan to dump the water into the bay. I am also kindly asking that he publicly announce that he will not dump the water into Cape Cod Bay, and instead truck it to another facility for disposal. I also ask that he please make this announcement before the the next NDCAP meeting on March 27th, 6:30pm at Plymouth Town Hall.
Thank you to the local groups, newspapers, and other organizations that have been working to bring this issue to light. Let’s all continue spreading the word and keeping a close eye on this. I will keep you all updated with any updates I receive on my end.
Thank you for reading and for signing this petition.
Tight lines!
Ryan Collins
PS. This issue has also been covered extensively in the news. I would recommend reading this recent article from WBUR if you would like to learn more about what exactly is going on https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/12/08/epa-holtec-contaminated-wastewater-cape-cod-bay-clean-water-act
Massachusetts DMF
DMF Has Enacted the Following Regulatory Amendments Effective for 2023
During the fall of 2022, the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) held public hearings and solicited public comment on a variety of fishery management regulations including measures affecting the recreational tautog fishery and the recreational lobster and edible crab trap fishery. Following approval by the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission, DMF has enacted the following regulatory amendments effective for 2023.
Recreational Tautog Slot Limit and Trophy Fish Allowance
The 2023 recreational tautog fishery is scheduled to open on April 1. In prior years, a 16” minimum size limit has applied. However, beginning in 2023, the fishery will be subject to a slot limit of 16” to 21” with an allowance for each angler to retain one trophy fish measuring greater than 21” each day. Tautog are measured in total length, which is the straight-line measurement from the tip of the snout to the farthest extremity of the tail.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Tautog promotes uniform recreational regulations within a management region. Under this FMP, Massachusetts and Rhode Island comprise a single management region. This action realigns the two states’ tautog size limits, following Rhode Island’s adoption of the same slot limit and trophy fish allowance last year. Having consistent rules across jurisdictions enhances enforcement and compliance and should address impacts of the potential eastward movement of fishing effort into Massachusetts and Rhode Island to target the relatively healthy stock of tautog shared by the two states. .
Recreational Lobster and Crab Trap Fishing
For 2023, DMF is enacting two changes affecting recreational lobster and crab trap fishing. Both measures address the potential interaction between the gear and right whales.
Recreational lobster and crab trap fishers using buoyed gear are no longer required to rig their buoy lines with a weak link (capable of breaking at 600 pounds of tension) at the buoy. Weak links were designed to allow for a buoy to part from its line should the line entangle a right whale. However, the entanglement record shows little evidence the gear modification works as intended and ultimately does not lead to risk reduction. As such, DMF is rescinding the requirement for recreational fishers to rig their buoy lines with this device. While the use of a weak link at the buoy is no longer a mandatory requirement, fishers may continue to deploy buoy lines with the device installed. Many fishers favor this device because it makes the gear easier to fish.
The November 1–May 15 closed season for buoyed recreational lobster and crab trap gear may now be extended past May 15 or rescinded after May 1 based on the documented presence or absence of right whales in state waters. DMF implemented this seasonal gear closure in 2021 to reduce the potential for the gear to become lost or abandoned as a result of winter storms, and to eliminate the risk that a buoy line may entangle an endangered right whale during the winter and early spring months when they aggregate to feed in our inshore waters. DMF has successfully managed commercial fixed gear fisheries with this dynamic management approach over the past several seasons and is now applying it to recreational fixed gear fisheries as well.
For more information regarding the management of marine fisheries in the Commonwealth, please visit our website: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries
Regulatory Changes Made During the Period of July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022
During the period of July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 the following regulatory changes were enacted by DMF after public hearings and Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission approval, or by the Director under his declaratory and emergency authorities.
Commercial Period II Summer Flounder Trip Limit Increase (322 CMR 6.22). Through an in-season adjustment, DMF increased the commercial summer flounder trip limit for October 1 – December 31 from 3,000 pounds to 10,000 pounds. This action was taken to enhance access to and increase the utilization of the available 2022 commercial summer flounder quota.
Recreational Gulf of Georges Bank Cod (322 CMR 6.03). New recreational Georges Bank cod limits were implemented in July 2022. This established an August 1 – April 30 open season with a five-fish bag limit and a slot limit of 22” to 28”. The replaced the prior limits that allowed recreational fishing year-round with a 10-fish bag limit and 22” minimum size. These changes matched the federal regulations implemented as part of Framework 63 to the Multi-Species Groundfish Fishery management Plan. Framework 63 cut the Georges Bank recreational cod target by about 50% for the 2022 and 2023 fishing years and these amendments to the recreational fishing regulations were designed to keep recreational fishing mortality below the catch target.
Recreational Gulf of Maine Cod (322 CMR 6.03). New recreational Gulf of Maine cod limits were implemented for September 1, 2022. This established open seasons of September 1 – October 7 and April 1 – April 14 with a 1-fish bag limit and 22” minimum size. This extended the fall recreational fishing season by three weeks and increased the minimum size by 1” compared to the prior limits that established open seasons of September 15 – September 30 and April 1 – April 14 with a 1-fish bag limit and a 21” minimum size. These state limits matched the federal rules adopted by NOAA Fisheries for this stock.
Recreational Gulf of Maine Haddock (322 CMR 6.22). New recreational Gulf of Maine haddock limits were implemented for September 1, 2022. This increased the recreational haddock bag limit from 15-fish to 20-fish while maintaining the April 1 – February 28 open season and 17” minimum size. These state limits matched the federal rules adopted by NOAA Fisheries for this stock.
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF)
General Information
The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) manages the state’s commercial and recreational saltwater fisheries and oversees other services that support the marine environment and fishing communities.
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries - Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/MAMarineFisheries/
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries - Website
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-marine-fisheries
Recreational Saltwater Fishing Information
With over 1,500 miles of coastline, there is plenty of opportunity to fish in Massachusetts. Before you hit the water, be sure to get your fishing permit and check out the resources in the link below.
Marine Fisheries Regulations
Marine fisheries regulations are updated throughout the year. Permit holders are responsible for remaining compliant with Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) rules and regulations. DMF receives its mandate from the General Laws of the Commonwealth. It authorizes the Director of DMF to manage the Commonwealth's marine fisheries, including how often, how many, when and where fish may be taken.
Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations
The information below describes the current recreational fishing limits for Massachusetts and was last updated on August 30, 2022.
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/recreational-saltwater-fishing-regulations
Marine Fisheries Management
The fish and shellfish in Massachusetts coastal waters are public resources. The Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has the responsibility to manage these resources for all citizens, even those who do not fish. We use fisheries research to develop regulations that specify where, when, how, and how many fish can be caught each year.
Because many fish don’t stay in one place, DMF collaborates with other states and the federal government to ensure the regional or coastwide resiliency of fish stocks. Also involved in the fisheries management process are fishing industry members, environmental groups, municipalities, and other interested parties.
Marine Fisheries Advisories and Notices
Advisories
DMF Advisories provide official announcements of updates to permits, public hearings, opening & closing of fishing seasons and other important news. If you want to stay up-to-date on current Advisories subscribe to the DMF listserv.
https://www.mass.gov/archive/dmf-advisories
Public Hearing Notices
Under the provisions of M.G.L. Ch 30A and pursuant to the authority found in M.G.L. Ch. 130 ss. 17A & 80, the Division of Marine Fisheries and the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission schedule public hearings to accept comment on regulatory actions and proposed changes to 322 CMR.
MASS.GOV
Public Rights Along the Shoreline
Published in 2005, the fact sheet on "Public Rights Along the Shoreline" was developed by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM).
Coastal managers are often asked, "Who owns the sea and shore?" If you have been curious, or perhaps a bit confused about what rights the public has along the shoreline, here's a brief primer on waterfront property law.
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/public-rights-along-the-shoreline
Vineyard Wind Project
Overview
Vineyard Wind is well underway in developing the nation's first utility-scale offshore wind energy project over 15 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. The project will generate clean, renewable, cost-competitive energy for over 400,000 homes and businesses across the Commonwealth, while reducing carbon emissions by over 1.6 million tons per year.
New England is shifting to clean, competitively-priced energy, and Massachusetts state law seeks to have 3,200 MW of offshore wind providing electricity to the Commonwealth by 2035, which could represent over 20% of electricity consumed in the state. Vineyard Wind is an important part of that goal, and will make a significant contribution to the Commonwealth’s aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while growing our economy and enhancing energy security and reliability.
Vineyard Wind Project Related Links
- Updated Vineyard Wind Website. A lot of great information, take a look. https://www.vineyardwind.com/
- SMAST Fishermen Workshops Report and Studies Recommendations (also as PDF below). https://vineyardwind.app.box.com/s/rvwqef7crahpiy3unk4cra6amr08llwb Comments on report should be sent to cbank@vineyardwind.com.
- Economic Exposure of Massachusetts Commercial Fisheries to the Vineyard Wind Project (also as PDF below). https://vineyardwind.app.box.com/s/kxzslsoblrgp6ljifc4h2ax47ic27sll Comments on report should be sent to cbank@vineyardwind.com.
- Massachusetts Clean Energy Internship Program helps prepare the next generation of clean energy workers by funding internships for students and recent graduates at Massachusetts clean energy and water innovation companies. https://www.masscec.com/clean-energy-internship-program
- Final environmental impact report certified for Vineyard Wind’s 800-MW offshore wind project: https://www.windpowerengineering.com/business-news-projects/final-environmental-impact-report-certified-for-vineyard-winds-800-mw-offshore-wind-project/
- Vineyard Wind Committing $15M to MA - https://www.vineyardwind.com/masswinds
- Vineyard Wind Status: https://www.boem.gov/Vineyard-Wind/
- Public comment on Vineyard Wind’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS): http://www.regulations.gov, search BOEM-2018-0069
- Vineyard Wind, Barnstable officials sign agreement on cable project: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/news/20181004/vineyard-wind-barnstable-officials-sign-agreement-on-cable-project
- NOAA Fisheries Researchers Map Habitat, Assess Northeast Wind Energy Areas: https://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/press_release/pr2018/features/wind-energy-areas-report/