The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has been awarded three Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) by NOAA Fisheries to conduct studies aimed at collecting better data on Atlantic red snapper and other snapper-grouper species. These studies are intended to improve the management of these critical species in the South Atlantic.
EFPs allow for harvesting for specific purposes that are otherwise prohibited under current federal regulations. The FWC will collaborate with anglers to test innovative ways to reduce red snapper discards, increase harvest opportunities, and improve angler satisfaction. “The FWC recognizes that a 1-day federal Atlantic red snapper season is disappointing,” stated the commission, “but in these studies, some participants will be selected to catch (and keep!) red snapper during a time that works for you!”
The three studies will take place off Florida’s east coast from the Florida/Georgia line south to the Dry Tortugas. Two studies, named the FWC Study Fleet and the FWC Hot Spot Fleet, will be conducted from the Florida/Georgia line south to Cape Canaveral’s NASA Assembly building. The third study, called the FWC Southeast Florida Snapper Grouper Fleet, will occur from Cape Canaveral’s NASA Assembly building south to the Dry Tortugas.
Each study aims to test an aggregate snapper-grouper bag limit to reduce discards, improve reporting of catch and discard information via an FWC app, and evaluate angler satisfaction among EFP participants compared to those adhering to federal regulations. Anglers will be selected quarterly for participation, with the project expected to run through August 2025.
“For years, FWC has heard that anglers want to directly provide data to improve the management of Atlantic red snapper,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “This is your opportunity to do so! Your participation is not just desired; it’s essential for these studies to be a success and improve management.”
Jessica McCawley, Director of FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management, added: “Like you, FWC is frustrated with the current state of Atlantic red snapper management. We recognize that people are seeing more red snapper than ever on the water. These particular EFPs try to turn discarded fish into landed catch and improve angler satisfaction by testing different management measures.”
Recreational saltwater anglers are encouraged by the FWC to apply through Go Outdoors Florida or visit MyFWC.com/AtlanticEFP for more information. The first application period runs from July 8-17, followed by additional periods in October 2024 as well as January and April 2025. Applications remain open for ten days each period with participants selected via a lottery system.
For questions about applying, contact DMFM’s main office at 850-487-0554.
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