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NOAA Takes Steps to Improve Red Snapper Management in the South Atlantic

| General Government Relations

Yesterday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a public comment period on applications for Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Improving access to and the management of the South Atlantic red snapper fishery has been a top priority of the recreational boating and fishing community.
The EFP process is an important first step towards advancing more adaptive fishery management and improving data collection. There will be a 25-day public comment period on the proposal.
In the announcement, Dr. Neil Jacobs, NOAA administrator, noted, “Today’s announcement underscores NOAA’s dedication to innovative harvest strategies that represent a bold new paradigm for coastal prosperity, aligning sustainable fisheries management with the president’s charge to revitalize the economic core of our coastal regions.”
Dr. Jacobs continued, “These state-led pilots have the potential to provide an important framework for improved data collection and enhanced management responsiveness, ensuring red snapper remains a cultural and economic cornerstone for the South Atlantic.”
This announcement comes on the heels of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina — along with their congressional delegations — urging NOAA to allow for states to lead the management of this important species.
NMMA was also pleased to host Dr. Jacobs and members of the NOAA leadership team at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show this week. With the latest boats, marine products, and onboard technologies on display from leading manufacturers in the U.S., the visit provided an important opportunity to highlight how recreational boating and fishing support coastal economies and depend on modern, science-based management of our nation’s fisheries.
 Access to marine fisheries is essential to ensuring the recreational boating and fishing economies can thrive. The NOAA announcement builds upon the success of the Gulf state-led red snapper management program — which demonstrates the benefits of adaptive, state-specific data collection and empowered states to set longer, more predictable seasons.
NMMA will continue updating members on key developments throughout this process. For more information, please contact Clay Crabtree, senior director of public policy for NMMA at [email protected].