Recreational Fishing
Recreational
fishing is a popular activity in the sanctuary, with individuals
visiting the sanctuary via private vessels and charter/party boats.
Fishermen and women target a variety of species that use the different
types of habitats found there. Click here
to find out more about the most popular fish species caught in
the sanctuary.
No
permits are needed for recreational fishing in the sanctuary,
but several federal regulations have been established that address
fishing activities in the sanctuary. Be aware that fishing for
striped bass and several species of sharks is illegal in federal
waters. Click here to find out
more about recreational fishing regulations.
If
you are planning on taking a charter fishing excursion or joining
a party boat, there are many companies operating in ports and
harbors along the coast. Click here
for a list of Massachusetts Party and Charter Boats maintained
by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.
Recreational
fishing parties should use care in planning trips into the sanctuary,
as weather and sea conditions can change quickly and drastically.
Check marine forecasts before
departure.
Click
here for a list of boat access points around New England.
While
federal law permits the disposal of fish wastes in federal and
state waters, MARPOL, the law for the prevention of pollution
at sea, spells out what can be disposed of and where, including
the ban on the dumping of any plastics anywhere in the ocean.
For the safety of marine life and an aesthetically and healthier
sanctuary, it is recommended that all wastes be transported back
to shore for proper disposal.
For
the disposal of human wastes, use pumpout facilities located throughout
the region. Click
here for a listing of pumpout facilities in Massachusetts
An
excellent free resource book on many aspects of recreational fishing
can be obtained from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries,
entitled "Massachusetts Saltwater Recreational Fishing Guide."
To view an on-line version of the book, click
here. To download a pdf version of the book, click
here, or to obtain a printed version, visit or call one of
the Massachusetts Recreational Fisheries Program Offices. Click
here for address information.
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