Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Institute

The Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Institute (MFI), a cooperative venture between UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science & Technology (SMAST) and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, promotes sustainable fisheries by providing timely information needed to protect, conserve, and manage Massachusetts marine and coastal resources in a manner that balances the economic, environmental, and cultural interests of the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Information is gathered through interdisciplinary research that examines the interaction between marine organisms and their environments. These application-oriented studies enable scientists to understand the underlying processes and implement timely solutions.

The Institute focuses on addressing critical issues related to Massachusetts fisheries and fishing communities, including fostering a cooperative working relationship among scientists, government, fishermen, and environmentalists. Marine Fisheries Institute researchers are highly productive in a variety of areas.

Current research initiatives

The MFI’s research program has been supported by both state and federal agencies and includes: 

Surveys

• scallop video survey
• open cod-end video trawl survey
• industry-based groundfish survey

Bycatch reduction

• herring fishery bycatch avoidance
• scallop fishery bycatch avoidance
• conservation engineering for better fishing gear

Population dynamics

• cod reproduction
• groundfish discard mortality
• scallop life history
• fish stock assessment
• shark population assessment

Ocean planning and ecosystem science

• climate change
• habitat conservation and mapping
• offshore wind energy

Industry leadership

The MFI organizes scientific and stakeholder meetings and workshops.

• “End-to-End Review of New England Groundfish Stock Assessments” produced recommendations to improve the scientific basis of management for groundfish fisheries
• The Fisheries Summit explained the state of the region’s marine fisheries for stakeholders and a strategy for moving forward
• Accountability Measures for Northeast Fisheries (pdf) (PDF)

Education

The Marine Fisheries Institute educates, trains, and positions graduate students pursuing master’s degrees or PhDs to assume important fisheries science and management roles in Massachusetts, throughout New England, and in other regions nationally and internationally, through their research, scientific publications and employment.

Students are firmly grounded with a hands-on understanding of, and experience with, the Commonwealth’s fishing industry, including its current and historical importance, as well as the problems that can be addressed and resolved through better science and management approaches.

Graduate students have the opportunity to study applied fisheries research in the top-valued port in the nation with the collaboration of the fishing industry and the Commonwealth’s fisheries management agency. 

The MFI also provides fosters community engagement through school programs, safety training classes, and educational events.

Executive Committee

Advisory Committee