S. 4938: Bycatch Reduction Act

This bill would change how certain North Pacific fisheries operate in order to reduce bycatch—the catching of fish and other sea life that were not the intended target—and to lessen damage to the seafloor. It would do this by requiring gear standards, monitoring, and the use of salmon excluders, while also supporting research into better fishing methods and cleaner technology.

Fishing gear and operating requirements

The bill would require certain fishing operations to use equipment and practices designed to catch fewer unintended species and reduce harm to habitats on the ocean floor. This includes standards for fishing gear and the use of salmon excluders, which are devices intended to keep salmon from being caught in gear aimed at other species.

Monitoring, research, and transparency

It would increase monitoring of fishing activity so regulators can better measure bycatch and environmental impacts. The bill would also support research into ways to reduce these harms, including cleaner fishing technology. In addition, it would require more public transparency about fishing practices and results, so information about bycatch and related impacts is more readily available.

Foreign seafood imports

The bill would also place restrictions on certain foreign seafood imports that are considered unsustainable. The goal is to discourage seafood products that may be caught or produced in ways that undermine conservation or environmental standards.

Funding and assistance

To help with the transition, the bill would create funding for mitigation assistance. This would be used to support efforts that reduce bycatch and seafloor damage, and may help fishing operations adjust to new requirements or adopt better equipment and methods.

Relevant Companies

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