On April 27th, Massachusetts Gov. Baker issued further restrictions to the state’s March 23rd emergency order. This time the regs target charter captains and charter boats, stating that “During the duration of Governor Baker’s stay at home advisory and essential services order, all for-hire fishing operations shall be suspended and it shall be unlawful for you to conduct any for-hire fishing activities.”
We, like many of our Massachusetts guide colleagues and friends, hope these new rules are shortlived, especially with the arrival of the spring run of striped bass coming in the next few tides.
Read the full announcement from Gov. Baker, below:
“On March 23, 2020, Governor Baker issued an emergency order closing certain businesses and advising citizens of the Commonwealth to limit activity outside of the home. This order was issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and remains in effect. Further guidance regarding boating and marine-related activities was provided on April 27, 2020. This included prohibiting all for-hire boating operations while the current emergency order remains in effect. Consistent with this emergency order and subsequent guidance, the Division of Marine Fisheries is issuing you this Statement of Permit Conditions.
1. During the duration of Governor Baker’s stay at home advisory and essential services order, all for-hire fishing operations shall be suspended and it shall be unlawful for you to conduct any for-hire fishing activities.
2. This shall not restrict your ability to fish as a private recreational angler or conduct any commercial fishing activity for which you are permitted.”
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