Grant Notice - Massachusetts On-Demand Gear Grant and Research Program

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is offering an on‑demand gear grant program to commercial fishers in the state. The grant reimburses eligible participants for on‑demand fishing gear, associated equipment (e.g., through‑hull transducers, satellite communications), and related services used during the seasonal closed‑area fishing periods. Fixed‑gear participants may receive up to $50,000, while mobile‑gear participants may receive up to $6,000, with a two‑year contract term and a requirement to submit monthly questionnaires documenting gear use and any conflicts. The program is funded by federal sources administered through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and does not require a matching contribution. Applicants must hold a valid 2026 Commercial Coastal Lobster Permit (or Commercial Fishing Permit for mobile gear) and have it renewed for 2027. • Eligible recipients: commercial fixed‑gear and mobile‑gear fishermen with the appropriate 2026 permit. • Funding: up to $50k (fixed gear) or $6k (mobile gear) per participant; reimbursement after pre‑approval and documentation. • Obligations: monthly reporting, gear return or approval for disposal, compliance with permit and grant terms, contract length of two years.