Fisheries Technology Archives

NOAA opens $4.6M for bycatch reduction projects

August 28, 2026 — NOAA Fisheries is making approximately $4.6 million available for projects aimed at reducing bycatch through improved fishing practices and innovative gear technology.

The agency announced its 2026 funding opportunity through the Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program, inviting non-federal researchers to submit proposals for collaborative projects that address bycatch challenges facing U.S. fisheries.

A major emphasis of this year’s funding opportunity is industry involvement. NOAA Fisheries said it is looking for proposals that include proactive and meaningful engagement with the fishing industry in identifying, designing, or implementing projects.

Read the full article at the National Fisherman

ALASKA: Federal cybersecurity mandate stirs concern in Alaska fishing industry

August 20, 2026 — A cybersecurity policy change coming down from the federal government is drawing backlash from Alaska’s commercial fishing industry.

The concern is the change could hobble fishermen and processors operating in remote areas around the state where internet and cellular service are unreliable or unavailable.

Recently, the industry learned the U.S. Department of Commerce plans a transition to Login.gov with “multifactor authentication requirements for public-facing systems” such as the Observer Declare and Deploy System (ODDS), eFISH, and other platforms used by participants in Alaska’s federally managed fisheries.

This would require fishermen and other industry participants to establish a Login.gov account. Login.gov is described as “the public’s one account for government.”

Read the full article at National Fisherman

$15M grant aims to protect New England’s ‘legacy’ seafood industry

August 17, 2026 — This grant will fund new fishery technology and innovations, which will help researchers at URI and other partners better understand the changing sea environment.

The seafood industry has long been an economic driver in Rhode Island, but it’s facing a number of challenges — including rising costs, warming waters and an aging workforce. In an effort to combat these obstacles, the National Science Foundation has awarded a $15 million grant to the University of Rhode Island and several regional partners.

Morning host Luis Hernandez spoke with Marta Gomez-Chiarri, an aquaculture and fisheries professor at URI, about how her lab is hoping to use the money to spur technological innovations that can help strengthen the health and viability of the local seafood industry.

Read the full article at Ocean State Media