S. 3579In committeeEnvironment & energy
NOAA directed to expand bycatch reduction research
Data as of July 11, 2026
Federal bill directs NOAA to research and reduce accidental fish catches in Alaskan waters and fund gear upgrades for fishermen.50-second read · 5 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
This bill tells NOAA to expand research on bycatch, which is the unintended catching of fish and other marine life during commercial fishing. It calls for studies on salmon migration, faster genetic testing of accidentally caught salmon, and research on how trawl gear affects the ocean floor. It also directs NOAA to build a flume tank testing facility and creates a donation-supported fund to help fishermen buy or upgrade less harmful gear.
Who does it affect?
Commercial fishermen, fishing vessel operators, Alaska Native communities, researchers, and fishery managers are most directly affected. The bill focuses on fishing activity in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska.
Why does it matter?
Bycatch can harm fish populations and ocean habitats that commercial fisheries depend on. This bill would change how federal agencies study and respond to those unintended catches.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Donation-funded grant program
- Helps fishermen buy or upgrade gear
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee — You are here
- Senate vote
- House
- President's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
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Official title
Bycatch Reduction and Research Act of 2025
- Introduced:
- December 18, 2025
- Latest action:
- December 18, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.