Science & Space
South Atlantic States Get Extended Red Snapper Fishing Permits
NOAA opened a three-day 2026 season and issued permits extending eligible recreational fishing in three South Atlantic states.
What happened
NOAA Fisheries set the federal recreational red snapper season for October 9–11, one day longer than last year. It also issued exempted fishing permits to Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, allowing eligible participants to fish from October 9–22 under state pilot projects. After reviewing October information, NOAA and the states will jointly decide whether a December season can occur.
Why it matters
Eligible recreational participants in three states receive a longer authorized fishing window, while the pilots will generate data on effort, catch, and discards for future management.
Source: NOAA News