Better Bycatch Reduction Devices for the Shrimp Travel Fishery Project

Overview

The Better Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs) for the Shrimp Trawl Fishery project is a collaborative effort led by NOAA Fisheries, Louisiana Sea Grant, and Texas Sea Grant, to restore finfish affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The project focuses on developing and testing more effective BRDs—net modifications that reduce the unwanted capture of non-target species, or bycatch, such as finfish—while maintaining shrimp catch. As part of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill restoration efforts, the project supports finfish recovery by identifying, testing, and certifying new more effective BRD designs. This work not only advances conservation goals but also offers the shrimp fleet practical and flexible gear options, promoting both ecological health and the long-term viability of the fishery.