Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program

Section 316 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (MSA) requires the development of a bycatch reduction engineering program. Section 316(d) of the MSA requires the Secretary of Commerce to transmit an annual report to Congress that, among other things, describes developments in gear technology achieved under this section.

Reducing marine fisheries bycatch is an important part of the mission of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Reducing bycatch can help rebuild overfished fish stocks and help recover populations of marine mammals, sea turtles, seabirds, and fish. Reducing bycatch also can increase the economic efficiency of fishing operations by reducing sorting time and damage to gear and bait. Addressing bycatch has biological and economic effects and is required under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and the U.S. National Plan of Action for Reducing the Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Longline Fisheries. Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP) is a critical component of NMFS' efforts to identify and foster the development of technological solutions to important bycatch problems in our nation?s fisheries.

The MSA was amended in 2007 and required NMFS to establish the BREP and submit an annual report to Congress describing its achievements. FY 2012 appropriations language directed NMFS to establish a competitive grant program for non-federal researchers working with U.S. fishermen on the development of improved fishing practices and innovative gear technologies. In response to this direction, NOAA issued a request for grant proposals in 2012. NOAA?s request for grant proposals resulted in 64 submissions requesting $10,939,539. NOAA funded 14 proposals, totaling $2,440,826.

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