Massachusetts gets more than $4 million for new lobster fishing gear to protect right whales, other measures

The feds are shellin’ out millions of dollars to the Bay State for new lobster fishing gear in the hopes of protecting North Atlantic right whales.

The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Marine Fisheries on Friday announced that it will receive more than $4.6 million from a congressional appropriation to boost DMF’s conservation program for the endangered North Atlantic right whale.

DMF will use part of this funding from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to provide new lobster fishing gear that’s designed to protect right whales.

Massachusetts near-shore waters host up to 80% of the total population of North Atlantic right whales in late winter and early spring — as the whales migrate north and feed in the nutrient-rich waters of Cape Cod Bay and Massachusetts Bay. The two greatest threats for the endangered species are entanglements in fishing gear and vessel strikes, according to advocates.

“We have a special responsibility to help these endangered animals, and to promote innovative measures to support whale recovery and Massachusetts’ important lobster industry,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper.

“These funds are particularly beneficial to the small boat fishers who contribute so much to our economy, food security, and heritage of Massachusetts coastal communities,” Tepper added.

The millions of dollars will help with developing innovative fishing gear technologies, and increasing ongoing research and monitoring. As part of a five-year program, DMF anticipates receiving more than $23 million from NOAA Fisheries, subject to annual congressional appropriations.

DMF has put together a spending plan for 2024, allocating $2.8 million for right whale research and monitoring; $1.1 million for on-demand gear research; and $472,000 for lobster gear to be used by lobster fishers to reduce entanglement risks.

“This funding will provide critical assistance to the Commonwealth’s dual efforts to both protect the North Atlantic right whale and help innovate our fishing industry to develop safer fishing methods,” said Duxbury Rep. Josh Cutler.

The funding will support Massachusetts’ lobster industry and other trap fisheries as they adapt to existing and new regulations that will be developed by NOAA Fisheries and DMF by December 2028, to protect right whales, and comply with the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea said, “We are very grateful to Massachusetts lobster fishers who have sacrificed and worked with us in implementing a closed season, the use of modified rope, and other important measures to protect right whales.”