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BREP_2016 (NOAA NMFS National Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program) - FAQs

What is BREP_2016?

BREP_2016 is a discretionary federal grant opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically NOAA Fisheries (the National Marine Fisheries Service, or NMFS). It is part of the National Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP) and supports practical, on-the-water solutions to reduce bycatch and the harm associated with bycatch.

Which agency is funding this opportunity?

The funding is provided by NOAA NMFS (NOAA Fisheries) within the U.S. Department of Commerce.

What is the main goal of the National Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program (BREP)?

The program focuses on applied engineering and real-world fishing practice changes that reduce unintended catch (bycatch), lessen injury and mortality when bycatch occurs, and generate results that fisheries managers can use when making decisions about federally managed marine resources.

What types of projects does this opportunity support?

The opportunity supports projects that fall into one of two core approaches: (1) developing or improving fishing gear and other technological tools to reduce bycatch, or (2) testing and documenting changes in fishing practices that reduce bycatch and lessen injury or death when bycatch happens.

Does the program focus only on reducing bycatch, or also on improving survival after release?

It addresses both. In addition to reducing interactions, BREP_2016 emphasizes minimizing mortality and injury, including post-release injury and delayed mortality after animals are returned to the water.

What does NOAA mean by "on-the-water" solutions?

Based on the program description, NOAA is looking for solutions grounded in real-world fishing conditions, with credible field testing and measurable performance data, rather than concepts that exist only as lab prototypes or untested ideas.

What species or resources are included in the program's definition of bycatch?

The scope is broad. It includes non-target fish as well as sensitive habitat-forming organisms such as sponges and corals, including deep-sea corals and shallow tropical corals.

Are protected species included as bycatch concerns under this opportunity?

Yes. The announcement explicitly includes protected species that are frequent bycatch concerns, including marine mammals, sturgeon, seabirds, and sea turtles.

What is meant by "management relevance" in this opportunity?

Management relevance means funded projects should produce outcomes that can directly influence NMFS and federal fisheries management needs. The work should be designed with a clear pathway to informing regulations, fishery management plans, protected species mitigation measures, or operational guidance in federally managed fisheries.

What kinds of results is NMFS expecting from funded projects?

The description emphasizes measurable performance data, credible field testing, and results that can be translated into implementable actions by industry and that are enforceable or trackable by managers. In other words, NMFS is prioritizing tested, adoptable solutions over purely conceptual research.

How much total funding was anticipated for FY2016 under this opportunity?

For FY2016, NMFS anticipated approximately $2,500,000 in total funding for projects aligned with the program priorities referenced in the notice.

What is the maximum award amount for an individual project?

The stated ceiling for individual awards was $250,000.

How many awards did NMFS expect to make?

NMFS expected to make about 15 awards for this cycle.

What is the funding instrument type, and what does it imply?

The funding instrument type is a cooperative agreement. This typically implies substantial involvement by NMFS during the project period, such as coordination on study design, data collection standards, use of federal expertise or facilities, or alignment with agency monitoring and management needs, rather than a hands-off relationship.

When did the application window open and close?

The application window opened when the opportunity was posted on February 3, 2016, and it closed on April 15, 2016.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 11.472.

How is this opportunity categorized?

It is categorized under environment, natural resources, and science and technology research and development.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)." This indicates that applicants needed to consult the full announcement for the specific eligible organization types, restrictions, and any special conditions.

What kinds of bycatch impacts does the program aim to reduce besides catching non-target fish?

Beyond non-target fish, the program aims to reduce bycatch impacts to protected species (such as marine mammals, sturgeon, seabirds, and sea turtles) and to vulnerable habitat-forming organisms like sponges and corals, including deep-sea and shallow tropical corals.

Is this opportunity focused on federally managed fisheries?

Yes. The announcement emphasizes producing results that support decision-making for federally managed marine resources and that can inform management actions in federally managed fisheries.

Does the program prioritize engineering-focused work?

Yes. The program is rooted in applied engineering and real-world fishing practice changes, with an emphasis on practical tools and approaches that can be adopted and used in management contexts.