On-Demand Gear Grant and Research Program

The On-Demand Gear Grant and Research Program supports Massachusetts commercial fishers who will use on-demand fishing gear and related technology in seasonal fixed-gear closure areas during 2026. The program combines participation in on-demand gear research with grant support for equipment and technology needed to fish in those closure areas, and participants must submit monthly reports or questionnaire responses on technology performance. Eligible participants include commercial lobster fishers using fixed gear and commercial fishers using mobile gear, with specific permit requirements tied to 2025 Massachusetts commercial permits and 2026 renewals. Funding is provided as reimbursement of eligible costs, with awards of up to $35,000 for fixed gear fishers and up to $6,000 for mobile gear fishers. Eligible reimbursements include on-demand gear, through-hull transducers, satellite communication systems and service, receiving devices, and software, and the gear remains with participants after the project.