This proposal is a continuation of sea grant efforts described in better bycatch reduction devices (BRDS) for the gulf of mexico commercial shrimp trawl fishery: sea grants role

The national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) states the goal of this project is to restore fish biomass through actions that are expected to reduce finfish bycatch in the commercial shrimp trawl fishery (MAM plan P.a-16) louisiana sea grant (LASG) and texas sea grant (TXSG) (or collectively sea grant (SG)) have assisted NOAA with this goal with the activities laid out and accomplished in the work plan for years 1-3. This is the work plan for years 4-6 with the revised and adapted goals and outcomes. Per NOAA, the objectives of this project are to identify and develop bycatch-reducing technology to reduce commercial shrimp trawl fishing pressure on finfish populations and to develop cost-effective solutions and effective incentives to maximize use of improved technology (MAM plan P.a-16). In order to help NOAA meet their objectives, in years 4-6 LASG and TXSG have five objectives, as follows: 1) enhance uptake and proper use of new and certified BRDS; 2) assist with advancing new BRDS through certification; 3 evaluate bycatch reduction of new BRDS for finfish restoration benefit; 4) determine the anticipated restoration benefit and 5) create rollout implementation plan for new gear.