H.R. 9953: Bycatch Reduction Act

This bill would change how North Pacific trawl fisheries operate in order to reduce accidental catch of non-target species and lessen damage to the ocean floor. It would do this by setting gear standards, requiring or expanding the use of devices that help salmon escape from trawl nets, and improving monitoring of fishing activity.

Key changes to fishing practices

The bill would establish requirements for fishing gear intended to reduce bycatch, which is the catching of fish and other marine life that are not meant to be harvested. It would also aim to reduce seafloor damage caused by trawl gear by promoting cleaner or less harmful equipment and fishing methods.

In addition, the bill would require stronger use of salmon excluders or similar devices in some fisheries to help protected or unwanted salmon avoid capture.

Monitoring and transparency

The legislation would increase oversight of trawl fisheries through monitoring and reporting rules. It would also add public transparency measures so that more information about fishing activity, bycatch, and compliance would be available to the public.

Research and technology development

The bill would support ecosystem research to better understand the effects of trawling on marine habitats and fish populations. It would also create an assistance fund and an engineering program to help develop and adopt fishing technology that is less harmful to marine ecosystems.

Foreign seafood imports

The bill would place limits on certain foreign seafood imports if they are tied to fishing practices that do not meet the bill’s standards. This is intended to prevent seafood caught with more harmful methods from competing in the U.S. market.

Relevant Companies

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