The research programme will seek to find new ways to increase catch of haddock without impacting cod, yellowtail flounder and windowpane flounder, SeattlePi reports.
The council said in a statement that the work will also help develop new gear to minimise flatfish bycatch.
It will also help prioritise fisheries according to current stock status.
The fishery management council manages fishery resources off the coasts of the five coastal New England states.
