There is a rumor being passed around the internet that River Herring runs will be opened for harvest this spring. For the runs to be opened, MA DMF would have to make a proposal to the MA Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission who would have to vote to hold public hearings. After those hearings MMFAC would then vote on the proposal. To be clear this process would take a minimum of 60 days and more like 90 days at best. The MMFAC met last week and opening river herring runs was not on the agenda. The bottom line is that as far as we know this is a rumor, just like the annual no parking on the Cape Cod side of the Canal. Follow MSBA.net and pour Facebook Page for up to date and ACCURATE information on fisheries issues.

As in all things of legality there are some legal loopholes however those scenarios are extremely unlikely and lead directly into a courtroom. MSBA is only clarifying the normal rule making process.

Town of Barstable already selling permits . Here is a copy of their regulations. They are allowing taking for residents only

Keep looking down to paragraph K, answers the question.

It shall be unlawful for any person to harvest, possess or sell river herring in the Town of Barnstable or in the waters under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

(1)
Exceptions. The Director of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries may authorize the harvest and possession of river herring from a particular spawning run for personal use based on documentation that the spawning run from which herring are harvested is not depleted.
(2)
Tolerance for bait fisheries. No person shall possess any batch of fish where more than 5% of the total is comprised of river herring species by count.
(3)
Expiration. These measures shall expire on January 1, 2015

A quick google and you will find this same code has been listed in the Barnstable town code since 2000. They just keep changing the date at the bottom of paragraph K. It also allows Non Resident permits for $25 when/if the fishery opens up.