Bycatch Reduction Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (27 Jul 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
What this bill does
H.R. 9953, the Bycatch Reduction Act, aims to reduce unintended catches of non-target species and minimize damage to seafloor habitats in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska. The bill proposes establishing standards for trawl fishing gear, requiring technology to detect when nets contact the seafloor, and mandating the use of devices to exclude salmon from nets. It also seeks to improve transparency in fishery management councils, encourage ecosystem-wide analyses, modernize electronic monitoring, and prohibit imports of seafood from unsustainable foreign fisheries. Additionally, the bill would establish a fund to assist with bycatch mitigation and habitat protection.
This legislation would primarily affect commercial fishing vessels operating in the specified Alaskan waters that use trawl gear. It would require these vessels to adopt new gear modifications and monitoring technologies. The bill also impacts the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by directing them to develop and implement new regulations and research programs. Furthermore, it calls for a review of foreign seafood imports and the creation of an assistance fund.
As H.R. 9953 was introduced on July 27, 2026, its current status is "Introduced." The next step in the legislative process is for the bill to be considered by the House Committee on Natural Resources, to which it was referred. If the committee takes action, the bill could then proceed to the full House of Representatives for a vote. Should it pass the House, it would then be sent to the Senate for consideration.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
27 Jul 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9953 do?
- H.R. 9953, the Bycatch Reduction Act, aims to reduce unintended catches of non-target species and minimize damage to seafloor habitats in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska. The bill proposes establishing standards for trawl fishing gear, requiring technology to detect when nets contact the seafloor, and mandating the use of devices to exclude salmon from nets. It also seeks to improve transparency in fishery management councils, encourage ecosystem-wide analyses, modernize electronic monitoring, and prohibit imports of seafood from unsustainable foreign fisheries. Additionally, the bill would establish a fund to assist with bycatch mitigation and habitat protection. This legislation would primarily affect commercial fishing vessels operating in the specified Alaskan waters that use trawl gear. It would require these vessels to adopt new gear modifications and monitoring technologies. The bill also impacts the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by directing them to develop and implement new regulations and research programs. Furthermore, it calls for a review of foreign seafood imports and the creation of an assistance fund. As H.R. 9953 was introduced on July 27, 2026, its current status is "Introduced." The next step in the legislative process is for the bill to be considered by the House Committee on Natural Resources, to which it was referred. If the committee takes action, the bill could then proceed to the full House of Representatives for a vote. Should it pass the House, it would then be sent to the Senate for consideration.
- Has H.R. 9953 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9953. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9953?
- H.R. 9953 was sponsored by Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large] (R-AK), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9953?
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. (27 Jul 2026).
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