An Act relative to lobstering closure mitigation

This bill establishes the Lobstering Closure Mitigation Fund to provide financial assistance to Massachusetts lobstermen affected by fishing area closures designed to protect endangered marine species. Administered by the Department of Unemployment Assistance, the fund offers eligible lobstermen weekly payments of one dollar per active trap from February 1 through July 30 each year. The legislation creates a dedicated account for these funds, outlines annual reporting requirements for income and expenditures, and authorizes the department to create regulations for application and payment processes.