SCITUATE – The future of commercial fishing in Scituate has emerged as a central question for the town’s harbor, as fishermen, charter operators and local officials weigh how best to preserve a working waterfront amid rising costs and limited space.
The debate centers on a warrant article filed by State Rep. Patrick Kearney (D), 4th Plymouth District, that would revise how Scituate defines a commercial fisherman. Supporters say the proposal reflects the modern realities of the fishing industry and could help younger fishermen gain a foothold, while critics warn it could strain scarce harbor resources and disadvantage traditional fishing operations.
Kearney told the Select Board his proposal is rooted in both his personal history and concern for the harbor’s future. After graduating from Mass Maritime Academy, Kearney was commissioned as an Ensign in The United States Naval Reserves. He has previously worked full-time as a commercial fisherman and currently operates a charter boat that fishes for bluefin tuna and striped bass.
Under the town’s current bylaws, commercial fisherman status is limited to those licensed for groundfish, lobster or scallops whose primary source of income comes from fishing and selling their catch. Kearney’s proposal would expand that definition to include certain charter and headboat operators who hold multiple state and federal permits and also sell part of their catch.
Kearney acknowledged concerns raised by traditional commercial fishermen who worry the change could open the door to recreational boats seeking commercial access.
“They see 40 plus unassigned moorings in this harbor and are rightly concerned that some larger recreational or sport fishing boats that may be used occasionally, but do not rely on the harbor to make a living can claim commercial access under this change,” he said.
He said the proposal includes safeguards allowing the town to review permits, landings and documented fishing effort to ensure access is limited to legitimate commercial operations.
Supporters of the article also argued charter operators are already treated as commercial in certain respects, including fees charged by the town.
“We pay a $250 use fee to unload at the town pier, but under current interpretation, we’re not considered commercial for access purposes,” Kearney said.
Captain Mike Pierdnok, president of the Stellwagen Bank Charterboat Association, told the board that for hire operators are recognized as commercial at the state and federal level and should be treated consistently by the town.
“We are paid to take recreational anglers fishing, so that’s a commercial operation,” Pierdnok said.
Opponents of the proposal said expanding the definition risks disadvantaging fishermen who rely entirely on selling their catch and who have invested heavily in permits and vessels.
“An average permit for our boats is about $200,000,” said Kevin Norton, a commercial groundfish fisherman. “What Pat listed off there was about $100 worth of permits. So there’s a big disconnect.”
Several fishermen stressed that mooring space in Scituate Harbor is limited and that any expansion of eligibility could have lasting consequences.
“If we only have a few moorings, they go to the guy who is going to actually make this his career,” Norton said.
Select Board members emphasized that the Jan. 6 discussion was informational and that the proposal will be decided by voters at the annual Town Meeting on April 13.
Chair Andrew Goodrich said the conversation underscored both disagreement and shared priorities.
“I don’t necessarily support it as it’s written right now,” Goodrich said. “But I support the idea that you’re opening up a really important conversation.”
As the Town Meeting vote approaches, residents and fishermen alike say the debate reflects a broader question facing Scituate: how to balance tradition, access and economic pressure in a harbor that remains central to the town’s identity.
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