Bycatch Reduction and Research Act of 2025

The bill reconstitutes the Alaska Salmon Research Task Force into the Bycatch Reduction and Research Task Force , adding experts in groundfish and invertebrate ecology. It mandates public-private partnerships for research into the marine life history of Alaska origin salmon, including satellite tagging and genetic sampling programs for real-time stock identification. Additionally, the Administrator must conduct ecosystem analyses on the impact of trawl gear on benthic habitats and fluctuations in marine ecosystems affecting commercially and culturally important species, with reports detailing findings and potential uses of artificial intelligence for bycatch avoidance. To support innovation, the bill requires a public-private partnership to build a flume tank for testing bycatch reduction and habitat protection fishing gear, establishing a fund to assist entities with testing. It also streamlines the approval process for exempted fishing permits and electronic monitoring pilot projects, while mandating regular public consultations on electronic monitoring standards and barriers to adoption. A key provision is the development of a data integration strategy to incorporate electronic monitoring data into science workflows and stock assessments, enhancing transparency by requiring online publication of observer coverage requirements. Finally, the legislation reauthorizes the Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program with $4 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. It establishes the Bycatch Mitigation and Habitat Protection Assistance Fund , administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, to provide financial assistance to fishermen. This fund will help fishermen purchase or modify fishing gear, equipment, and technology specifically designed to reduce bycatch and minimize contact with marine benthic habitats from trawl gear.