International Bycatch

Bycatch is the incidental catch or mortality of fish and protected species, such as marine mammals, sea turtles, seabirds, and
sharks.  Addressing global bycatch is a major priority for the NOAA Fisheries Office of International Affairs. 

Our international work builds upon the significant domestic efforts of NOAA Fisheries and reflects our legislative mandates, such
as the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act.  Particular effort has been directed toward action within regional fisheries management organizations and global organizations such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.  Additionally, we support bilateral and multilateral cooperative efforts that work on the ground to reduce bycatch, including data collection efforts and projects to improve bycatch mitigation technologies.

For questions on international bycatch issues, please contact Liz English (liz.english@noaa.gov).