The "Bycatch Reduction and Research Act of 2026" focuses on research, ecosystem analyses, and bycatch reduction and mitigation in Alaska's marine environment. It mandates the reconstitution of the Alaska Salmon Research Task Force into the "Bycatch Reduction and Research Task Force," comprising academic experts. The bill emphasizes salmon life history research, genetic sampling, and environmental analyses, with a goal of supporting conservation efforts. It also aims to establish a Flume Tank for testing technology to reduce bycatch and habitat disturbances. Additionally, it sets guidelines for electronic monitoring and reporting, transparency in observer coverage, and the establishment of a Bycatch Mitigation and Habitat Protection Assistance Fund. Finally, it reauthorizes the Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program and establishes the Bycatch Mitigation and Habitat Protection Assistance Fund.