he Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program provides funding to support applied management projects and activities to reduce bycatch. Bycatch reduction is a top priority for NOAA Fisheries, as outlined in our National Bycatch Reduction Strategy. Bycatch contributes to overfishing, threatens endangered and threatened species and protected marine mammals, and can close fisheries, significantly impacting U.S. economic growth. Through this program, we support the development and testing of fishing gears that minimize bycatch and habitat impacts.
There are five high-priority areas for the Fiscal Year 2022:
- Researching new technology
- Encouraging technology adoption
- Reducing post-release mortality
- Avoiding habitat interactions
- Conducting international research
For Fiscal Year 2022, NMFS anticipates that approximately $2,500,000 could be made available for approximately 10-15 projects that address bycatch research. Pre-proposals are due Thursday, January 20, 2022.
In addition, BREP may support projects that quantify post-release mortality and identify ways to minimize mortality and injury of bycaught species. Projects should produce outcomes that can directly influence management needs of federally managed living marine resources.
To learn more, view the grants.gov listing.