The asmfc will collaborate with NOAA fisheries/nefsc risk assessment and mitigation branch's gear team by coordinating with fishing industry partners for ongoing conservation gear testing

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) was awarded a $6,910,276 Cooperative Agreement by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Unallied Science Program (CFDA 11.472). The project aims to test the feasibility of removing vertical lines in fixed gear fisheries to reduce the risk of large whale entanglement. The project goals are to provide fixed gear fishermen with experience using technologies that reduce protected species risk, assist gear manufacturers in improving gear performance, and provide information to policymakers on the operational benefits and constraints of fishing without vertical lines. This project will expand on an existing NOAA initiative, with the additional CARES Act funding supporting the increased administrative burden.

This project is aimed at testing the feasibility of removing vertical lines in fixed gear fisheries to reduce large whale entanglement risk. The project's goals are to provide fixed gear fishermen with experience using technologies that reduce the risk to protected species, assist gear manufacturers in refining and improving the performance of their gears, and provide information to policy makers about the operational benefits and constraints of fishing without vertical lines. IRA funds will support the expansion of this project which will involve an increased administrative burden.