December 29, 2017 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
NOAA Fisheries is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program! Today we announce the availability of approximately $2.4 million for projects that increase collaborative research and partnerships for innovation in bycatch reduction. The 2018 federal funding opportunity is now open. Pre-proposals are due by January 31, 2018, and full proposals due March 30, 2018.
Through BREP, we support the development of technological solutions and changes in fishing practices designed to minimize bycatch. Our mission is to find creative approaches and strategies for reducing bycatch, seabird interactions, and post-release mortality in federally managed fisheries.
There are four high-priority areas for the Fiscal Year 2018:
- Developing innovative and effective technologies
- Improving understanding of post-release mortality
- Developing techniques to reduce interactions between fishing gears and corals, sponges
- Addressing international bycatch issues
Learn more about NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Region here.