[BasicPatrick]

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.