The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced the National Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP) - FY2025, aimed at reducing bycatch through innovative fishing technologies and improved practices. This competitive funding opportunity is available to support research and development of solutions to minimize bycatch of non-target species such as endangered fish, marine mammals, seabirds, and invertebrates, and to reduce post-release injury and mortality. The program is guided by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) and is critical for promoting sustainable fisheries and reducing ecological impacts from bycatch.

For Fiscal Year 2025, NOAA anticipates awarding approximately $2.3 million for 10-15 projects, with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. Projects addressing the highest program priorities could receive up to $350,000. Funded projects should target practical, fishery-relevant outcomes that can directly influence the management of federally managed marine resources. Proposals must address one or more of the five key program priorities, which include developing innovative technologies, reducing bycatch impacts on protected species, further testing proven solutions, reducing post-release mortality, and conducting international bycatch research that informs U.S. fisheries management.

Eligible applicants include non-federal entities such as higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, for-profit entities, state, local, and tribal governments. Pre-proposals are mandatory and must be submitted by December 13, 2024, with full proposals due by March 21, 2025. NOAA will notify applicants by January 31, 2025, whether their pre-proposals are encouraged for full submission, though all timely submissions are eligible for consideration.

The projects must align with NOAA’s bycatch research and management priorities and demonstrate involvement with U.S. industry, fishermen, or underserved communities. Proposals with significant industry collaboration or that benefit underserved or tribal communities are encouraged. Applicants must register with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons to apply, with early registration highly recommended due to potentially long processing times.

NOAA intends to issue cooperative agreements for project funding, meaning NOAA staff will have substantial involvement in the research and execution of funded projects. Performance periods for awarded projects will typically range from 12 to 18 months, with start dates as early as September 1, 2025. Pre-award costs incurred up to 90 days before the project start date may be allowable, but applicants assume the risk for any unapproved costs.

Applications will be evaluated on their importance, technical merit, qualifications of applicants, budget reasonableness, and outreach strategies. Special emphasis will be placed on the practical application of results to fisheries management and bycatch reduction, as well as the involvement of fishing communities and underserved populations.

For further guidance, applicants are encouraged to visit the Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP) website or contact NOAA program officials directly for additional details.