Purpose

The objective of 322 CMR 5.00 is to manage the northern shrimp fishery in cooperation with Maine and New Hampshire, under the auspices of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. The three states are attempting to achieve sustainable production over time with minimum impact on other fisheries resources. Due to the absence of federal regulatory measures within the EEZ (3-200 miles), it is necessary to enforce 322 CMR 5.00 outside waters within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth. Therefore, for the purposes of conservation and management of this migratory species, 322 CMR 5.00 shall apply within the waters of the EEZ and shall be actively enforced against vessels registered under the laws of Massachusetts.