September 10, 2023 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
NOAA Fisheries has awarded approximately $2.5 million to 14 projects under the Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program. Five of these projects are in the Greater Atlantic Region.
Bycatch reduction is a top priority for NOAA Fisheries, as outlined in our National Bycatch Reduction Strategy. Bycatch can contribute to overfishing, can threaten endangered and threatened species and protected marine mammals, and can close fisheries, significantly impacting U.S. economic growth. This year’s projects focus on several priority bycatch issues related to a variety of species, including whales, sea birds, sharks, striped bass, and salmon.
NOAA Fisheries’ Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program has resulted in innovative technological solutions to some of the nation’s top bycatch challenges. NOAA Fisheries is proud to continue to partner with fishermen, fishery managers, industry, academia and the environmental community to avoid and minimize bycatch.
For descriptions of the funded projects please visit our website.