The National Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP) grant is designed to help researchers develop better fishing practices and gear to reduce unwanted catch (bycatch) in U.S. fisheries. This program aims to support projects that create new technologies or improve existing ones to minimize the capture of non-target species and reduce their mortality after release.
Who it's for: This grant is for non-Federal researchers, including organizations like county and city governments, tribal organizations, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, small businesses, and individuals who are interested in developing innovative fishing technologies to reduce bycatch.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Federal entities
- Lack of focus on bycatch reduction
- Proposals not aligned with NMFS National Bycatch Reduction Strategy
- Incomplete application
- Requesting funds outside the $50,000 - $400,000 range
What You May Need
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget plan
- Proof of eligibility
- Research credentials
- Partnership letters (if applicable)
- Timeline for project completion
- Past project outcomes (if applicable)
- Registration with relevant federal systems
- Environmental impact assessment
Cautions
- Ensure project aligns with the NMFS National Bycatch Reduction Strategy
- Strict adherence to budget limits
- Projects must focus on U.S. fisheries
- Consider potential environmental impacts
- Be prepared for competitive selection process
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include county governments, other Native American tribal organizations, city or township governments, special district governments, for-profit organizations, nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, public and state institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, small businesses, state governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, and individuals. Essentially, a wide range of non-Federal entities can apply, provided they focus on reducing bycatch in U.S. fisheries.
Overview
This grant is for non-Federal researchers, including organizations like county and city governments, tribal organizations, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, small businesses, and individuals who are interested in developing innovative fishing technologies to reduce bycatch.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Federal entities
- Lack of focus on bycatch reduction
- Proposals not aligned with NMFS National Bycatch Reduction Strategy
- Incomplete application
- Requesting funds outside the $50,000 - $400,000 range
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to develop and test new fishing gear and methods that reduce bycatch and post-release mortality in commercial and recreational fisheries. This includes research, development, and testing activities.
Total Program Funding
$4,600,000
Expected Awards
30
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Aug 24, 2026
- Deadline
- Jan 22, 2027(148 days)
- Archive Date
- Feb 21, 2027
Application Checklist
- Register with federal grant systems
- Prepare a comprehensive project proposal
- Draft a detailed budget plan
- Gather proof of eligibility
- Collect partnership letters (if applicable)
- Outline a project timeline
- Compile past project outcomes (if applicable)
- Conduct an environmental impact assessment
- Submit application by January 22, 2027