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Massachusetts Regulations

Diving

Section 10D: Scuba divers and skin divers; access to Commonwealth tidelands 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.

  • Such diver's flag shall be displayed on a boat or surface float and shall extend a minimum distance of three feet from the surface of the water.
  • Divers shall remain in an area within one hundred feet of such displayed diver's flag while at or near the surface of the water.

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90B/Section13A

Harvesting Lobster

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?

  • Gulf of Maine Recreational Lobster Area: 15 lobsters a day
  • Outer Cape Cod Recreational Lobster Area: 15 lobsters a day
  • Southern New England Recreational Lobster Area: 15 lobsters per day

Review up-to-date recreational limits through 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

  • Min length: 3 and 1/4 inches
  • Max length: 5 inches

Lobster Size Outer Cape Cod Recreational Lobster Area

  • Min length: 3 and 3/8 inches
  • Max length: none

Lobster Size Southern New England Recreational Lobster Area

  • Min length: 3 and 3/8 inches
  • Max length: 5 1/4

Lobster - Prohibitions

  1. It is unlawful to possess or land any lobster that is egg bearing, from which eggs have been forcefully removed, or that has come in contact with any substance capable of removing eggs.
  2. Illegal to possess any female lobster that bears a notch or indentation in the base of the flipper that is at least as deep as 1/8 in with or without setal hairs
  3. No lobstering 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sun rise.

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​