Grant Notice: On-Demand Gear Grant and Research Program

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is soliciting participation in a 2026 On-Demand Gear Grant and Research Program to support commercial fishers in testing and deploying alternative fishing technology during fixed-gear closure seasons in state waters. Eligible participants include lobster and mobile gear fishers holding a valid 2025 Massachusetts Commercial Lobster Permit or Commercial Fishing Permit, respectively, with renewal required by February 28, 2026. The program provides reimbursement of up to $35,000 for fixed-gear operators and $6,000 for mobile-gear operators to cover costs associated with acquiring, installing, and operating approved on-demand gear systems, which must include through-hull transducers, satellite communication capabilities, and compatible software to eliminate persistent buoy lines. Participation requires obtaining an Exempted Fishing Permit or Letter of Authorization from MA DMF or the Northeast Fisheries Science Center to legally fish in designated restricted areas, including the Massachusetts Restricted Area and South Island Restricted Area. Preference is given to vessels with documented historical fishing activity in these areas between 2012–2014 or 2018–2020. All participants must submit monthly operational reports detailing gear use and performance, and compliance with these reporting requirements are mandatory for reimbursement. The program is administered from Gloucester, Massachusetts, with applications accepted electronically through email to designated program contacts by the deadline of November 30, 2026. No federal contracting clauses, socioeconomic certifications, or standard procurement structures such as CLINs or SAM.gov registrations are required, as this is a state-administered grant initiative designed to gather data on gear technology while supporting fisher participation in marine conservation efforts.