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

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is soliciting commercial fishers for the On-Demand Gear Grant and Research Program for 2027. This initiative aims to reduce North Atlantic right whale entanglement risks by providing financial assistance to fishers who utilize on-demand gear instead of persistent buoy lines in the Massachusetts Restricted Area and South Island Restricted Area. The program offers reimbursements of up to 50,000 dollars for fixed gear fishers to cover equipment such as through-hull transducers, satellite communication systems, and related software, while mobile gear fishers may receive up to 6,000 dollars for virtual gear marking technology. Selected participants must operate under a Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Exempted Fishing Permit or a Letter of Authorization and are required to submit monthly performance reports. Awards are contingent upon the availability of federal funds and are prioritized for vessels with a documented history of fishing in the restricted areas prior to the 2015 and 2021 closures. Contracts last for two years from the date of execution, with payments issued via Electronic Funds Transfer 45 days after invoice receipt. Applicants must submit their materials via email and adhere to all Commonwealth of Massachusetts terms and conditions, including non-discrimination and fair labor practices.