NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comments on Four Applications for Exempted Fishing Permits to Pilot Test New Data Collection Methods and State Management Strategies for South Atlantic Red Snapper
Key Message:
NOAA Fisheries is accepting comments beginning February 13, 2026, on applications for exempted fishing permits (EFP) from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR), South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF). If issued by NOAA Fisheries, each EFP would exempt the applicable state agency and participating fishermen from specific Federal regulations applicable to the recreational harvest of red snapper in the South Atlantic.
The four applications may be found here: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/recreational-fishing-data/south-atlantic-red-snapper-state-data-collection-and-management.
How to Comment on the Applications:
The comment period is open February 13, 2026, through March 10, 2026. You may submit comments by electronic submission to the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal or by postal mail. NOAA Fisheries may not consider comments sent by any other method (such as e-mail), to any other address or individual than outlined below, or received after the end of the comment period.
Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
- Go to https://www.regulations.gov and type in “NOAA-NMFS-2026-0496” in the search box.
- Click the "Comment" icon, complete the required fields.
- Enter or attach your comments.
Mail: Submit written comments to Mary Vara, Sustainable Fisheries Division, NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
General Overview of EFP Applications
- The states are requesting EFPs to test new red snapper data collection methods and state management strategies for recreational anglers that would otherwise be prohibited by federal regulations.
- The purpose of these EFPs is to improve data on recreational fishing effort, catch, and discards of red snapper in the South Atlantic to inform the development of a long-term red snapper state management strategy.
- Additional purposes of the EFPs are to provide recreational fishermen on privately owned vessels (private vessels, private anglers), and the owners or operators of charter vessels or headboats (for-hire fishermen) increased fishing opportunities for red snapper, and collect related biological, social, and economic information from the fishery.
- The applicants each propose to pilot test state data collection and management strategies for the recreational harvest of red snapper in 2026. The outcomes of the 2026 EFPs would guide the need for and possible refinement of future EFP applications in 2027 and 2028.
- Under the state proposals, recreational harvest of red snapper would be allowed during specified red snapper seasons in South Atlantic state and Federal waters off Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
- The applicants intend each of these projects to test state-led data collection systems beginning in 2026 designed to improve the accuracy and availability of recreational effort and catch data.
- In 2026, FWC proposes to allow the recreational harvest of red snapper in state and federal waters during a 39-day season divided into summer and fall segments. The proposed season would occur from May 22 through June 20, and then from Fridays through Sundays during October 2-4, October 9-11, and October 16-18. GADNR, SCDNR, and NCDMF propose establishing a 62-day recreational fishing season for red snapper in state and Federal waters that aligns with wave 4 of NOAA Fisheries Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) survey, running from July 1 through August 31, 2026.
- Under the EFPs, participants would be able to retain one red snapper per person per day if they meet the other required conditions. Additionally, each of the applicants proposes to prohibit the retention of red snapper by captain and crew of a for-hire vessel. In addition to the bag limit, SCDNR proposes a minimum size limit of 20 inches or approximately 51 centimeters in total length to match the current minimum size limit in state waters.
- The total number of red snapper that would be harvested under these EFPs would be commensurate with the length of the proposed recreational fishing seasons for red snapper. The applicants did not estimate these numbers, noting their lack of confidence in MRIP effort, catch, and discard estimates.
A final decision on the issuance of the EFPs will depend on NOAA Fisheries' review of public comments received, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s recommendation, consultations with each of the states and the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as a determination that a decision to issue the EFPs is consistent with all applicable laws.
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