Bycatch—the catch of non-target species—is a complex, global issue that threatens the sustainability of our fishing communities, economies, and ocean ecosystems. Learn how we work to develop, test, and adopt gears that reduce bycatch in U.S. fisheries.
This Sea Turtle Week, we talk with Barbara Schroeder, National Sea Turtle Coordinator, about bycatch innovations that are helping sea turtles thrive and how we work with fishermen to reduce bycatch.
NOAA is prohibiting wire leaders in the Hawaiʻi deep-set longline fishery. The measure is estimated to increase the survival of threatened oceanic whitetips by more than 30 percent.
We approved a new selective trawl gear, the large-mesh belly panel, for use in small-mesh fisheries when the fisheries accountability measure for Georges Bank yellowtail flounder is triggered. Use of the large-mesh belly panel reduces bycatch of groundfish species of concern, such as yellowtail flounder.
Small group of pelagic longline fishing vessel owners will take a six-month voluntary repose, can continue to fish with alternative gear, improving populations and supporting supply chains.
The development of efficient, cost-effective light-emitting diode (LED) technology has led to a growing list of innovative residential and industrial applications.
