Project Page

Communication Networks and Mapping Tools to Reduce Bycatch – Phase I

Implementing Organization

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Overview

DWH Project Funding

$4,416,000

Known Leveraged Funding

$0

Funding Organization

Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees (NRDA)

Funding Program

Natural Resource Damage Assessment NRDA

Details

Project Category

Environmental

Project Actions

Species Restoration

Targeted Resources

Fish/Fish Habitats

Project Description

The unintentional catch of non-target fish (bycatch) can have substantial biological and economic impacts and prevent or delay the recovery of species injured during the DWH oil spill. This project will reduce bycatch in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico by developing a bycatch hotspot identification system and communication network for fishermen. This phased project will develop a system to create near-real time spatial maps of bycatch hotspots coupled with a communication tool to inform fishermen of the high bycatch potential in those areas. This initial phase will include activities such as conducting scoping workshops to identify fisheries, regions, and ports that would benefit from a bycatch identification system; the development of maps to identify areas of potentially high bycatch; and a workshop to discuss the issues surrounding voluntary communication network to reduce bycatch.

Contact

James Reinhardt
(301) 427-8615
James.reinhardt@noaa.gov
Project Website
Project Partners

None

Affiliated Institutions

For official trustee information regarding the Deepwater Horizon NRDA, including information regarding the NRDA process and the status of projects, see https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/

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