The Massachusetts state government has announced USD 1.2 million (EUR 1 million) in grant funding for the state’s commercial fishing sector.
“Massachusetts is home to a nation-leading seafood industry and thriving blue economy. Investing in the strength and resilience of our commercial fishing industry is crucial to sustain our local economies and coastal culture,” Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper said in a release. “We are proud to support our commercial fishers, who provide us with healthy, delicious seafood, all while finding ways to advance innovative research.”
The grants were awarded through the Massachusetts Fisheries Innovation Fund, a state-industry partnership that aims to promote coexistence between the commercial fishing sector and offshore wind development.
“The Massachusetts Fisheries Innovation Fund will help ensure the profitability and resiliency of our fisheries for generations to come,” Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game (DFG) Commissioner Tom O’Shea said in a release. “This will directly support researchers, fishers, and industry advocates navigating offshore wind development in coastal waters. From commercial fishers to for-hire vessels to shoreside businesses, all will benefit from this unique opportunity for innovation and growth.”
The 2025 grants include:
- USD 265,984 (EUR 226,337) to UMass Dartmouth SMAST to develop lighted fish pots that can be deployed around offshore wind infrastructure;
- USD 261,443 (EUR 222,473) to the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation to determine the efficiency of wind farm-compatible mechanical squid jigging gear;
- USD 250,000 (EUR 212,735) to the New Bedford Port Authority for promotion and marketing of New Bedford fisheries;
- USD 174,908 (EUR 148,835) to F/V Martha Elizabeth to develop innovative fish and sea scallop traps in offshore wind areas;
- USD 156,533 (EUR 133,199) to Eating with the Ecosystem Inc. for public engagement events and videos showcasing fishers, chefs, and consumers utilizing species caught in offshore wind areas; and
- USD 60,768 (EUR 51,710) to the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation to develop, test, and monitor bottom trawl gear configurations that can be used near offshore wind cable infrastructure.
“The Division of Marine Fisheries continues to strive to facilitate the coexistence of our state’s vibrant fisheries with the ongoing development of offshore wind,” Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) Director Dan McKiernan said in a statement. “This funding opportunity, crafted by our Fisheries Innovation Fund Advisory Panel, will support our fishing industry to grow alongside the offshore wind industry. These grant awardees bring cooperative research experience, industry rapport, and innovative ideas, and will undoubtedly create impactful outcomes.”
