Frustration over stalled fisheries management took center stage at the Massachusetts Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight meeting on July 30, 2025. A committee member expressed deep concern about the prolonged inaction regarding critical fisheries science, emphasizing that decades of research have been neglected while bureaucratic processes hinder progress.

The member highlighted the urgent need for the council to take a formal position on opening the northern edge for scallop access, questioning why the council has allowed scientific findings to gather dust. "When does the council stop leaving this on the shelf?" they asked, pointing out that the fishing industry has been left in limbo due to conflicting interests and a lack of decisive action.

In response, the executive director of the council acknowledged the history of inaction but noted that the northern edge was prioritized for 2023. However, he explained that the council faced challenges in meeting all objectives due to conflicting interests, which ultimately led to the discontinuation of the action.

The discussion underscored a broader frustration with the political landscape, as the committee member lamented the reliance on executive orders for decision-making, which they believe stemmed from a failure to act based on scientific evidence. "If science sits on the shelf... we end up debating executive orders," they stated, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in the fishing community who feel unheard and unsupported.

As the meeting concluded, the call for a more proactive approach to fisheries management resonated strongly, with hopes that the council will finally take the necessary steps to address the pressing issues facing the industry. The outcome of this discussion may shape future policies and the relationship between environmental considerations and economic needs in Massachusetts.