Bycatch Science and Management
NOAA Fisheries is strongly committed to reducing bycatch in U.S. fisheries. We actively monitor bycatch levels in U.S. fisheries through fisheries observers and electronic technologies. We also work directly with fishermen to develop selective fishing gears and practices to minimize bycatch.
NOAA Fisheries implements regulations with regional fishery management councils as well as other stakeholders to minimize bycatch and reduce protected species interactions with fishing gear. NOAA Fisheries also carries out observer programs in each of its regions.
This website will highlight NOAA Fisheries' bycatch estimation and data products, and how these estimation and data products affect stock assessment and management efforts.
Photos courtesy of Robert Hannah, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; Carwyn Hammond, NOAA Fisheries; and Mark Lomelli, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission.
Bycatch Science and
Management Updates
- Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program Now Accepting Applications (preproposals due February 10)
- Final Rule to Modify Black Sea Bass Pot Requirements Related to Whale Entanglements
- Turtle Excluder Device Proposed Rule (comment period ends February 14, 2017)
- Mid-Atlantic Council and NOAA Fisheries Protect Deep-Sea Corals from Bottom-Tending Fishing Gear
- Fishery Bycatch Driving Vaquita to Extinction