Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Administration of the Government (Ch. 1-182) Ch. 21, § 50E

The secretary of environmental affairs or his designee shall identify specific “areas of special interest” within the waters of the commonwealth as defined in section 50B to include or exclude areas based on scientific research and observation regarding areas of critical environmental concern and endangered species habitat or based on economic dependence or public safety concerns. Such areas may be identified by geographic boundaries and may be mapped for use by mariners. The secretary may promulgate rules and regulations for the designation of areas of special interest within the waters of the commonwealth.