Bycatch Reduction Act
To reduce trawl gear impacts on bycatch and seafloor habitat in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska, to establish gear performance standards, seafloor contact detection, and salmon excluder requirements, to improve Council transparency and participation, to prioritize ecosystem analyses, to modernize electronic monitoring, to prohibit unsustainable foreign seafood imports, and to establish a Bycatch Mitigation and Habitat Protection Assistance Fund.
HB9953 proposes measures to protect marine life and habitats in specific Alaskan waters. It aims to reduce the negative effects of trawl fishing gear on bycatch (unintended catch) and seafloor habitats in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska. The bill seeks to set performance standards for fishing gear, require technology to detect when gear contacts the seafloor, and mandate the use of salmon excluders in fishing nets. It also aims to improve the transparency and public participation in the decision-making processes of relevant councils, prioritize ecosystem analyses, and modernize electronic monitoring systems.
This bill would primarily affect commercial fishermen, seafood processors, and marine conservationists in the specified regions. By implementing stricter gear requirements and monitoring systems, the bill seeks to minimize environmental damage and support sustainable fishing practices. Additionally, it aims to ensure that seafood imported into the country meets sustainable standards by prohibiting the import of seafood caught using unsustainable methods.
As of July 27, 2026, the bill has been introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. The next steps will include committee review, possible amendments, and a vote before it can move to the full House for further consideration. The bill's progress will be closely monitored to ensure that it meets its objectives of protecting marine ecosystems and supporting sustainable fishing practices.
