MA Regulations
Diving |
Section 10D: Scuba divers and skin divers; access to Commonwealth tidelands
Section 10D. No person shall be denied access during daylight hours to commonwealth tidelands across any land available to the public for swimming or recreation which is owned or controlled by the commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions for the purpose of scuba diving or skin diving which activities are hereby declared to be water dependent uses; provided, however, that if such tidelands are at any time closed to access by the general public, such access by such scuba diver or skin diver shall not be permitted. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter91/Section10D Section 13A: Scuba divers; display of diver's flag required Every scuba diver or group of scuba divers while swimming on or under the surface of the waters of the commonwealth shall display for each diver or group of divers as a warning device to boat operators, a diver's flag, so called, constructed of rigidly supported material at least twelve inches by fifteen inches in area of red background with a white diagonal stripe.
|
Harvesting Lobsters |
If you don't know the rules, you could end up losing your dive gear. iDive New England is going to help you avoid that.
What does a permit cost and where can I get one? The permit fees are $55 for residents and $75 for non residents. Permits are available through massfishhunt.mass.gov What are the catch limits with my permit?
www.mass.gov/service-details/recreational-saltwater-fishing-regulations How do I check if I can keep a lobster? This is going to be one of the most important pieces once you have your permit. Carapace (the hard upper shell) length measured from the rear of eye socket parallel to the center line of the body shell to the rear of the bodyshell. All lobsters measuring less than the minimum legal carapace length must be returned to the waters from which taken. All lobsters must be measured immediately. Egg bearing females must be returned to the water. Use a gauge to measure the lobster. Most local dive shops will carry this. Lobster Size Gulf of Maine Recreational Lobster Area
Lobster Size Outer Cape Cod Recreational Lobster Area
Lobster Size Southern New England Recreational Lobster Area
Lobster - Prohibitions
What is my permit number? Each permit has a identification number located on the upper right hand corner of the permit. You must mark your traps and dive gear with this permit number. Is reporting required? Yes, all permit holders must provide an annual catch report. The DMF provides these forms at the time of renewal. License renewals will not be issued until a permit holder files the catch report. Where do I purchase a permit? Permits are available through massfishhunt.mass.gov Who oversees the permits in MA? Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Address: 251 Causeway Street, Suite 400, Boston, MA 02114 Phone: 617-626-1520 Website: www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-marine-fisheries Learn about recreational lobster harvest www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-recreational-lobster-harvest
|
Harvesting Scallops |
Sea Scallops
Minimum Size: 3 1/2 in shell diameter Limits: Daily limit of 1 bushel in shell, or 4 quarts of shucked meats Bay Scallops Minimum Size: Well defined growth ring Limits: Closed Apr 01 - Oct 01, consult specific town regulations Learn how to measure scallops: www.mass.gov/doc/how-to-measure-shellfish/download |
Boating around Divers |
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Section 13A:
A boat operator within sight of a diver's flag shall proceed with caution and within a radius of one hundred feet of such flag shall proceed at a speed not to exceed three miles per hour. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90B/Section13A |