The Massachusetts economy is heavily dependent on the lobster fishing industry. You must acquire a lobster license in order to lawfully fish for lobsters in the state. Anyone wishing to engage in commercial lobster fishing must get a license from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). The cost of a lobster license in Massachusetts and other pertinent topics will be addressed in this article. How Do You Obtain a Shellfish License in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, you must submit an application to the DMF in order to obtain a lobster license. The application form is available for download on their website or for pickup at their offices. The application asks for information like your name, address, and phone number as well as facts about your fishing history, vessel, and equipment. A license cost is additionally required, and it varies based on the kind of license you are seeking for.
The DMF limits the amount of lobster pots you may own. There is an upper limit of 800 pots per license holder. However, depending on the location you are fishing in, the amount of pots you can utilize might be constrained. The use of unmarked or incorrectly marked pots is forbidden, and offenders may be subject to fines or other consequences. Another query is if lobster diving is permitted in Massachusetts.
In Massachusetts, diving for lobster is permitted, but there are limitations on the equipment you can use. Divers are only permitted to catch lobsters with their hands or a portable net. It is not permitted to employ spears, hooks, or any other kind of equipment. Divers must also adhere to all other DMF rules and regulations, including having a current lobster license.
The DMF controls the maximum number of lobster traps that can be kept in Massachusetts. There is an upper limit of 800 traps per license holder. However, depending on the location you are fishing in, the amount of traps you can employ might be constrained. It is significant to remember that using unmarked or incorrectly marked traps is forbidden, and offenders risk fines or other consequences.
Therefore, the price of a lobster license in Massachusetts varies based on the kind of license you are seeking for. A commercial lobster license will cost $500 as of 2021. However, there are other taxes and charges related to lobster fishing, such as vessel and equipment costs. To guarantee the sustainability of the lobster fishery and prevent fines, it is crucial to abide by all DMF laws.
You must fulfill a number of conditions in order to obtain a Massachusetts lobster license, including finishing a state-approved course on lobster trap safety, possessing a current recreational or commercial fishing license, and passing a test on lobster trap tags. You have two options for applying for the license: online at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries or on paper. Whether you are a resident or non-resident, and whether you are applying for a commercial or recreational license, will affect the cost of the license.