The objective of this program is to fulfill the science requirements of the National Bycatch Strategy by determining the magnitude of bycatch, assessing the impact of bycatch, and evaluating the effectiveness of developed conservation engineering technology.

This program is closely tied to research and monitoring activities of the National Observer Program, National Cooperative Research Program, Science Centers, and Regional Offices.

ST staff have been directly involved in the evaluation of various bycatch monitoring methodologies, as summarized in the report: “Evaluating Bycatch: A National Approach to Standardized Bycatch Monitoring Programs” and to the development of the “NOAA Fisheries Objectives, Protocol, and Recommended Precision Goals for Standardized Bycatch Reporting Methodologies”.