The accidental capture of untargeted species by fishermen—known as bycatch—is one of the greatest threats facing many endangered marine animals, including sea turtles and whales. We are working the lessen the threat of bycatch on marine animals through scientific research, innovation, collaboration and information sharing.

Environmental Impacts

Bycatch affects practically every species in the ocean, and is the leading threat faced by many endangered animals.

Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction

The Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction brings together experts in marine biology,  engineering and fishing to identify and develop practical solutions for reducing bycatch.

Experimental Fishing Gear

Collaborative research is underway to develop new and innovative fishing devices and methods that reduce the threat of bycatch to sea turtles and large whales in the Northwest Atlantic.

Bycatch Survival

We conduct species-specific investigation into the physiology of bycaught fishes and their post-release survivability. By increasing our understanding of how fishes respond to capture, we  will be able to inform efforts to increase the post-release survival rate of bycaught fishes.

Bycatch Reduction Database

The Consortium developed the Bycatch Reduction Database to facilitate information sharing between scientists, fishermen and fisheries managers.

Celebrate Seafood

Your seafood choices matter. Some types of seafood are more environmentally friendly than others. The New England Aquarium’s Celebrate Seafood program will help you choose seafood that is good for you and the environment. The Aquarium also offers our Fish of the Month program to help you identify ocean-friendly seafood choices. Learn how to pick ocean-friendly seafood species and get tons of great recipes.