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H 1059

An Act relative to fisheries conservation gear grant program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeff Turco

Creates a Fisheries Conservation Gear Grant Program to fund gear research, development, and acquisition that reduces juvenile/fish mortality and protects protected species in Massa

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 1059

Summary: H 1059 — An Act relative to fisheries conservation gear grant program

Overview

H 1059 proposes the creation of a Fisheries Conservation Gear Grant Program, funded subject to appropriations, to support research, development, and acquisition of commercial fishing gear that reduces mortality of juvenile or non-harvestable fish and minimizes harm to protected species (notably the Northern Right Whale). The program is to be administered by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and aims to advance the sustainability and productivity of affected fisheries.

Status and chronology (key milestones)
- Introduced: February 27, 2025
- Referred to: Environment and Natural Resources (2/27/2025)
- Senate concurrence: July 31, 2025
- Discharged to Agriculture and Fisheries: July 28, 2025
- Hearing scheduled: August 28, 2025 (tentative)
- Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to House Ways and Means: November 12, 2025
- Current status: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to Ways and Means

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of a Grant Program (Section 1):

    • Creates the Fisheries Conservation Gear Grant Program, to be funded by appropriation.
    • Purpose: provide funding for research, development, and acquisition of gear that reduces mortality of juvenile or protect species, while maximizing sustainability and productivity of the fisheries.
    • Administration: to be developed and administered by the Division of Marine Fisheries.
    • Governance: mandates regular hearings at least annually to determine grant size, type, and scope needed to maximize effectiveness.
    • Equity and collaboration: requires eligibility criteria designed to promote geographic, fishery-type, and gear-type equity and may condition grants on matching resources and collaboration between commercial fishers and scientific or research institutions.

  • Eligibility (Section 2):

    • Eligible recipients are Massachusetts fishing industry participants with a valid state or federal commercial fishing permit, and institutions of higher learning or research organizations located in Massachusetts.

  • Intellectual Property (Section 3):

    • The Division may retain all or part of ownership of IP developed through the program (including patents and registrations).
    • IP held by the Commonwealth must be made available through licensure or other reasonable terms to eligible grant recipients and for purposes of the act.

Who would be Affected

  • Primary beneficiaries:
    • Commercial fishing operators and other fishing industry participants in Massachusetts holding valid permits.
    • Massachusetts-based higher education institutions and research organizations engaged in relevant gear research and development.
  • Indirect effects:
    • Gear manufacturers and suppliers involved in the development and deployment of conservation-oriented gear.
    • Researchers and institutions collaborating with commercial fishers on gear-related innovation.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The program awaits appropriation funding, meaning it could operate only to the extent funds are allocated.
  • Annual hearings will guide grant size, type, and scope.
  • IP provisions indicate potential Commonwealth ownership with reliable licensing terms to eligible parties.
  • The bill’s journey includes committee actions, referrals to Ways and Means, and various legislative steps noted in the actions timeline.

Related Legislation

  • Related bill: HD 3256 (House docket 3256), indicated as replacing the current measure.

This bill seeks to align gear innovation with fishery sustainability, incentivizing collaboration between industry and researchers while ensuring equitable access and potential IP benefits for Massachusetts participants.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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