2019 Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program Awards Announced: 7 out of 16 for Regional Projects

NOAA Fisheries sent this bulletin at 10/22/2019 12:28 PM EDT

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October 22, 2019

$1.1 Million in BREP Funding Awarded to 7 New England/Mid-Atlantic Projects

NOAA Fisheries has awarded more than $2.3 million to 16 projects under the Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program. We are pleased to announce that seven of the awards are for projects in our region, and total about half of the overall funding.

These awards support key partners in the research and development of innovative approaches and strategies for reducing bycatch, bycatch mortality, and post-release mortality in our nation’s fisheries.

2019 Projects in NE/MA Region

University of Missouri - $195,000

Project: Quantifying and reducing post-release mortality of shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) captured as bycatch in the Atlantic coast pelagic long-line fisheries.

Gulf of Maine Research Institute - $127,329

Project: Improving the selectivity of the ultra-low opening trawl (ULOT) to reduce bycatch of Atlantic cod.

Maine Department of Marine Resources - $198,018

Project: Assessing the feasibility of Time Tension Line Cutter use in fixed gear fisheries to reduce entanglement risk for the endangered North Atlantic right whale.

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries - $176,572

Project: Bycatch reduction of red hake in the Southern New England silver hake trawl fishery.

Cornell University - $75,169

Project: Advancing bycatch reduction technology in New England small mesh multispecies fisheries-outreach and technology transfer of the large mesh belly panel..

Sea Mammal Education Learning Technology Society - $225,000

Project: Developing and testing innovative ropeless lobster fishing gear to reduce bycatch of North Atlantic right whales.

New England Aquarium - $125,000

Project: Whale release ropes as a large whale bycatch mitigation option in the lobster fishery.

Questions?

Contact Ryan Silva, Regional Office, 978-281-9326

Media: Contact Jennie Lyons, Headquarters, 301-427-8013

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