NOAA Extends South Atlantic Red Snapper Season to October 22
Key Points
- Federal season runs October 9-11, extending one day beyond last year
- Exempted permits allow extended fishing through October 22 in three states
- States pilot new data collection strategies for sustainable red snapper management
- Joint evaluation determines potential December 2026 second season availability
Editorial Deep Dive & Context
NOAA Fisheries has officially announced the 2026 federal recreational red snapper fishing season for the South Atlantic region. The standard federal season will run for three days from October 9 through October 11, marking an extension of one day compared to last year’s two-day window. Additionally, NOAA issued three Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) to Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, authorizing eligible participants in these states to fish until October 22. These EFPs allow states to pilot new data collection and management strategies for recreational harvests in both state and federal waters. Following the October season, NOAA and the states will jointly evaluate whether a second season is feasible in December 2026. Neil Jacobs, NOAA administrator, emphasized the agency's commitment to advancing sustainable fisheries and strengthening scientific support through collaboration with state partners and fishermen. Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries, noted that recreational fishermen play an indispensable role in managing the fishery. The initiative aims to rebuild red snapper stocks, reduce recreational discards, and inform long-term state-led management while maintaining catches within sustainable levels
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