H.R. 6939: Bycatch Reduction and Research Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Bycatch Reduction and Research Act of 2026, aims to enhance research and data collection efforts in U.S. fisheries, particularly in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska. The goal is to reduce bycatch, which is the unintentional capture of non-target species, and to protect marine habitats affected by fishing activities.

Key Components of the Bill

1. Reconstitution of Research Task Force

The bill includes the reformation of the Alaska Salmon Research Task Force, now called the Bycatch Reduction and Research Task Force, which will focus on reviewing existing research and making recommendations for future studies concerning fish populations and marine ecosystems.

2. Salmon Life History Research

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will establish partnerships with various organizations, including state agencies and educational institutions, to study the life history of Alaska salmon. This includes:

• Implementing salmon tagging initiatives to track migration patterns.
• Launching a genetic sampling grant program to improve the identification of salmon stocks caught accidentally in commercial fisheries.
• Publishing a report on research findings within three years of the bill’s enactment.

3. Ecosystem Analyses

The legislation mandates research to understand how different fishing methods impact marine habitats and vital fish species. It aims to evaluate factors affecting fish survival and distribution, including environmental changes and interactions among species.

4. Flume Tank Development

The bill proposes creating a testing facility, or "flume tank," to evaluate innovative fishing gear designed to minimize bycatch and protect marine habitats. A dedicated fund will be established to assist entities in developing and testing these technologies.

5. Enhanced Monitoring and Reporting

The bill calls for improved electronic monitoring and reporting processes in fisheries. This includes:

• Streamlining the approval process for fishing permits that utilize new gear aimed at reducing bycatch.
• Conducting stakeholder consultations to gather feedback on electronic monitoring.
• Publishing clear requirements for observer coverage in high-volume fisheries, making information more accessible to the public.

6. Bycatch Mitigation Fund

A new fund will be established to provide financial assistance to fishermen who invest in technologies to reduce bycatch. The fund aims to encourage the adoption of innovative fishing practices and gear modifications.

Funding and Oversight

The bill authorizes appropriations totaling $4 million annually for specific programs aimed at bycatch reduction from 2027 through 2031. Additionally, it mandates regular reports to Congress on the progress and effectiveness of research and funding utilization.

Reporting Requirements

The NOAA will be tasked with publishing annual and final reports on various research initiatives, including ecosystem studies and the impact of fishing practices on marine life. These reports will include recommendations for future actions based on the findings.

Relevant Companies

• TSLA - Tesla, Inc.: The company may be involved as it looks into marine applications for its technology or partnerships with researchers in sustainable fishing practices.
• CSCO - Cisco Systems, Inc.: Cisco could assist in developing technology for monitoring and data collection systems for fisheries, enhancing electronic monitoring systems proposed by the bill.
• MSI - Motorola Solutions, Inc.: Motorola may provide communication technology tools for the fisheries industry to better report and monitor bycatch and data collection efforts.