HR8508-118

2. Bycatch reduction and mitigation Section 316 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1865) is amended by adding at the end the following: There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029. Title III of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1851 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: There is established in the general fund of the Treasury of the United States an account to be known as the Bycatch Mitigation Assistance Fund, which shall— be administered by the Foundation; and consist of donations of amounts accepted pursuant to subsection (c). The Foundation shall use the amounts in the Fund to reduce or mitigate bycatch, including by providing financial assistance to fishermen and owners and operators of commercial fishing vessels to purchase fishing gear, equipment, or technology. In using the amounts in the Fund under paragraph (1), the Foundation shall distribute not less than 60 percent of such amounts to owners and operators of small commercial fishing vessels. The Foundation may solicit and accept donations of amounts for deposit into the Fund. In administering the Fund, the Foundation shall consult with the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, each Council, and each of the regional science centers of the National Marine Fisheries Service to ensure that, to the maximum extent practicable, amounts in the Fund are used in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this section, and biennially thereafter, the Foundation shall publish and post online in a manner available to the public information regarding the use of the Fund during— with respect to the first publication of information, the preceding 3 years; and with respect to each subsequent publication of information, the preceding 2 years. In this section: The term Foundation means the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The term Fund means the Bycatch Mitigation Assistance Fund established under subsection (a). The term small commercial fishing vessel means a commercial fishing vessel that is 65 feet or less in length. (e)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029.. 322.Bycatch Mitigation Assistance Fund(a)In generalThere is established in the general fund of the Treasury of the United States an account to be known as the Bycatch Mitigation Assistance Fund, which shall—(1)be administered by the Foundation; and(2)consist of donations of amounts accepted pursuant to subsection (c).(b)Use(1)In generalThe Foundation shall use the amounts in the Fund to reduce or mitigate bycatch, including by providing financial assistance to fishermen and owners and operators of commercial fishing vessels to purchase fishing gear, equipment, or technology.(2)Small vesselsIn using the amounts in the Fund under paragraph (1), the Foundation shall distribute not less than 60 percent of such amounts to owners and operators of small commercial fishing vessels.(c)DonationsThe Foundation may solicit and accept donations of amounts for deposit into the Fund.(d)ConsultationIn administering the Fund, the Foundation shall consult with the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, each Council, and each of the regional science centers of the National Marine Fisheries Service to ensure that, to the maximum extent practicable, amounts in the Fund are used in an efficient and cost-effective manner.(e)ReportNot later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this section, and biennially thereafter, the Foundation shall publish and post online in a manner available to the public information regarding the use of the Fund during—(1)with respect to the first publication of information, the preceding 3 years; and(2)with respect to each subsequent publication of information, the preceding 2 years.(f)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)FoundationThe term Foundation means the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.(2)FundThe term Fund means the Bycatch Mitigation Assistance Fund established under subsection (a).(3)Small commercial fishing vesselThe term small commercial fishing vessel means a commercial fishing vessel that is 65 feet or less in length..