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 [email protected] .
• 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.

Sign Up for Text Message Alerts - Find Out About Immediate Openings and Closures

NOAA's Text Message Alert Program allows you to receive important fishery-related alerts via text message (SMS). Standard message & data rates may apply. You may opt-out at any time. Comments sent by any other method (such as postal mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered.

Text alerts you may receive include:

• Immediate fishery openings and closures
• Any significant changes to fishing regulations that happen quickly

Sign up for one or more of the following groups:

• Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico) Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
  • Text GULFRECFISH to 888777
• Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico) Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
  • Text GULFCOMMFISH to 888777
• South Atlantic Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
  • Text SATLRECFISH to 888777
• South Atlantic Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
  • Text SATLCOMMFISH to 888777
• Caribbean Fisheries Related Alerts

Quick Glance Contact List for the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office

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.

Media Contact: Allison Garrett, 727-551-5750

Recreational Fishing Coordinator: Sean Meehan, 727-385-5202