How do I submit written comments on the proposed regulations?

Email written comments by 5 PM on June 12, 2026 to marine.fish@mass.gov, attention Director McKiernan.

When and how can I attend the public hearing?

Register for the virtual hearing on June 2, 2026 at 6 PM via the provided registration link.

Who must install electronic vessel tracking and by when?

All vessels actively participating in the surf clam and ocean quahog dredge fisheries must have electronic tracking by January 1, 2027.

What areas have expanded seasonal closures?

Closures extend off Manomet to southern Cape Cod Bay (Sandwich to Dennis) and Herring Cove from Race Point to Wood End, May 15–Oct 15.

May 13, 2026 Public Hearing: Boston, MA

May 8, 2026 Notice of Public Hearing and Comment Period: Commercial Surf Clam and Ocean Quahog Dredge Fishery Management Regulations Under the provisions of G.L. c. 30A, and pursuant to the authorities found at G.L. c. 130, §§ 17A, 21, 52, and 80 the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is taking public comment on a series of draft regulations at 322 CMR 4.00, 6.00, and 7.00 to modernize the management of the commercial surf clam and ocean quahog dredge fishery. Proposals include: (1) eliminating contour line closures and replacing them with mapped and published polygons defined by GPS coordinates that approximate the 12' contour line, provide a 200 foot buffer zone around all mapped eel grass beds; and are inclusive of existing closure and exemption areas. (2) maintains the existing closure north of Pt. Allerton in Hull; (3) extends the May 15 - October 15 closure off Manomet in Plymouth to include nearshore waters of southern Cape Cod Bay from Sandwich to Dennis; (4) closes Herring Cove from Race Point to Wood end from May 15 - October 15; (5) establishes a process to adjust closure boundaries to address user group conflicts; protect, restore, and sustain critical benthic habitats; and investigate and open additional areas to dredge fishing; (6) require electronic vessel tracking of all vessels actively participating in surf clam and ocean quahog dredge fisheries by January 1, 2027; (7) exempt surf clam and ocean quahog dredge vessels, excluding contaminated bait fishers, from the night closure from February 1 - April 30; and (8) clarify, enhance, and streamline existing regulatory language to improve readability. DMF will accept written public comment through 5PM on Friday, June 12, 2026. Please submit written comments by email to marine.fish@mass.gov to the attention of Director McKiernan. DMF will also host a virtual public hearing on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 6PM. To attend this virtual public hearing, please register at https://shorturl.at/4QafJ. For more information, please visit DMF's proposed regulations website. May 13, 2026 12323560

Public Hearing — Boston

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