New State Regulations Allow Removal Of "Ghost Gear" Fishing Debris

It is now legal to clean up abandoned fishing gear debris in Massachusetts. And yes, that used to be against the law.

New regulations promulgated by Governor Maura Healey’s administration, which took effect on January 30th, allow the cleanup of fishing gear debris across Massachusetts. The debris harms marine life and poses a long list of safety hazards, but until now, it has been afforded property rights, making it illegal to remove.

“Massachusetts is taking action to protect our environment, marine life, and public safety,” said Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This is a win-win for our coastal communities—we look forward to continued partnership with the fishing industry and conservationists to tackle this challenge coastwide through creativity and collaboration.”

In the past, only the Division of Marine Fisheries and the Massachusetts Environmental Police have been able to clean up the debris. Now, the state will be able to permit local leaders to do the same.

“Fishing gear debris is a threat to marine life, a safety hazard for mariners, a persistent problem on our beaches, and a costly burden for municipalities to clean up. We look forward to this significant boost in our capacity to address this growing issue,” said Massachusetts Environmental Police Colonel John Monaghan.