Bycatch Monitoring Programme (BMP) - 25-26

The principal purpose of this contract is to investigate incidences of bycatch. This is sensitive species of bycatch, otherwise known as PETS which stands for protected, endangered and threatened species. Incidental capture (bycatch) of PETS in commercial fisheries is a major threat to the conservation of marine megafauna. Injury or death to the PETS bycatch can have population level impacts, socio-economic consequences and can also affect the fishers wellbeing involved. Monitoring our seas and taking mitigating action to protect PETS is a statutory duty for Defra under the Fisheries Act 2020. Through the Fisheries Act 2020, the UK Government has committed to minimise and, where possible, eliminate bycatch of sensitive marine species to ensure sustainable fisheries.