The Healey-Driscoll administration is funneling nearly $1.2 million into the Massachusetts commercial fishing sector, as per a recent announcement. This funding, drawn from the Massachusetts Fisheries Innovation Fund, aims to elevate the industry’s competitiveness, especially in regions affected by offshore wind farm developments.
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper articulated the goal succinctly, “Investing in the strength and resilience of our commercial fishing industry is crucial to sustain our local economies and coastal culture,” according to a statement obtained by Mass.gov. The Innovation Fund will be distributed across various sectors, $700,000 will be directed towards fishing innovation projects, with an additional $450,000 earmarked for community resilience programs, and $60,000 dedicated to fund safety initiatives, with roughly $375,000 acting as sub-contracts within the commercial fishing industry.
The awardees span a range of initiatives from UMass Dartmouth’s development of novel lighted fish pots to the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation’s exploration of mechanical squid jigging. In particular, the New Bedford Port Authority is set to receive $250,000 to amplify New Bedford’s seafood marketability, and Eating with the Ecosystem Inc. will use their $156,533 portion to enhance public awareness around sustainable seafood via events and video content…