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ISSUE DATE: September 25, 2026
FB26-054
CONTACT: Jennifer Lee, 727-551-5778, Jennifer.Lee@noaa.gov
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Funding Opportunity Reminder:
Pre-Proposals for Innovative Solutions to Fisheries Bycatch Challenges Due October 5, 2026
Key Message:
NOAA Fisheries is requesting proposals to support collaborative bycatch reduction projects under the agency’s Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP). Up to $4.6 million in federal funds may be available in FY 2027. Non-federal researchers working on the development of improved fishing practices and innovative gear technologies are eligible to apply for funding.
The funding opportunity outlines three high priority areas including developing innovative and effective bycatch technologies, gear modification, or fishing practices to reduce bycatch impacts; further testing and/or development of technologies or gear modifications that have already been piloted; and improving understanding and reduction of post-release and other indirect mortality.
Proposals must address at least one of the priorities, and the priority that most closely matches your project must be identified in your proposal. Preference will be given to proposals that include involvement and/or collaboration with U.S. industry and/or fishermen.
How to Apply:
We strongly encourage you to read the Notice of Funding Opportunity carefully for all the details before applying.
- Pre-proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 5, 2026. Email your submission directly to the BREP National Program Coordinator at HQ.BREP@noaa.gov.
- Full proposals are due by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on January 22, 2027. All full proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov.
Background:
The Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP) provides competitive grants to non-federal researchers working to benefit U.S. fishermen and fisheries, including aquaculture, through the development of improved fishing practices and innovative gear technologies. The program was established to support the development of technological devices and other conservation engineering changes to minimize bycatch and reduce post-release mortality of non-target species in our nation’s fisheries.
Visit the BREP website for additional information.
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Sign Up for Text Message Alerts
Our Text Message Alert Program allows you to receive important fishery related alerts via text message (SMS). Standard message and data rates may apply. You may opt-out at any time. Text alerts you may receive include immediate fishery openings and closures and any significant changes to fishing regulations that happen quickly.
Sign up for one or more of the fisheries-related alerts below by texting the following to 888777:
- Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico) Recreational: Text GULFRECFISH
- Gulf of America Commercial: Text GULFCOMMFISH
- South Atlantic Recreational: Text SATLRECFISH
- South Atlantic Commercial: Text SATLCOMMFISH
- Caribbean: Text CARIBFISH
Permits Mailbox
The Permits Office in St. Petersburg, Florida now has a Permits mailbox in the front lobby (263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701). You can now drop off original permits for permit transfers. Envelopes with information labels will be provided so that your documents can be attached to the correct application. The mailbox will be checked daily. For more information contact the Permits Office at (877) 376-4877.
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Other Contacts
Media: Allison Garrett (727) 551-5750
Recreational Fishing Coordinator: Sean Meehan (727) 385-5202
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