Various commercial fishing and seafood industry organizations recently met to develop ways to ensure the economic sustainability of the fishing industry by working with state government representatives.
This includes promoting and advocating for the industry, enhancing economic development opportunities and infrastructure, and proactively and cooperatively addressing emerging challenges, including how best to co-exist with ocean development projects.
The new Massachusetts Commercial Fisheries Commission identified three priorities at its first meeting. One is to assist the Division of Marine Fisheries to update its 2021 Port Profile Project, a living document that describes commercial fishing activity and infrastructure at ports throughout the state.
A fishing boat heads back out to sea as it passes the hurricane barrier gate which protects New Bedford harbor from inclement weather.
The others are to develop a strategy for interacting with the Fisheries Working Group on offshore wind and consider how to address fishery science challenges given that federal survey efforts may be constrained.
What is the Massachusetts Commercial Fisheries Commission
The Massachusetts Commercial Fisheries Commission was created to strengthen coordination, communication and support for Massachusetts’ nation-leading seafood industry for generations to come.
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Who is part of the group
Division of Marine Fisheries Director Daniel McKiernan and Office of Coastal Zone Management Director Alison Brizius are co-chairs of the commission. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper is also a member.
Other members include appointed representatives from the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance, Massachusetts Fishermen’s Partnership, Massachusetts Seafood Collaborative; Stellwagen Bank Charter Boat Association, New Bedford Port Authority, Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association, Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance, Gloucester Fisheries Commission, Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund, Fisheries Survival Fund, Center for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Seafood Coalition, Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association, and the University of Massachusetts School for Marine Science and Technology.
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What will the commission do
Representatives from commercial fishing groups will meet with state officials quarterly to promote sustainable fisheries and support for the industry.
“We are proud to establish the Commercial Fisheries Commission and look forward to working with the seafood industry representatives to improve opportunities for our commercial fishers, seafood processors, dealers, restaurants and other industry participants,” Tepper said in a statement.
“The fishing industry is an integral part of the Massachusetts economy, and I am looking forward to collaborating with the Commercial Fisheries Commission on legislative solutions,” said State Rep. Tony Cabral, D-New Bedford.
What is the purpose of the commission
The Commercial Fisheries Commission was established by the Massachusetts Legislature in August 2022.
The purpose is to “develop and recommend strategies, methods and tools to promote the sustainability of the Commonwealth’s commercial fishing industry” and “address subjects including responsible development of offshore energy projects, mitigation and support strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries.”
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How often will the group meet
The Massachusetts Commercial Fisheries Commission met for the first time on April 8. The Commission will meet four times a year to address emerging issues related to commercial fisheries.
Standard-Times staff writer Kathryn Gallerani can be reached at kgallerani@gannett.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Massachusetts Commercial Fisheries Commission established