Notice of Receipt of Four Applications for Exempted Fishing Permits to Pilot Test New Data Collection Methods and State Management Strategies for South Atlantic Red Snapper

NOAA Fisheries is accepting comments 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.