The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced the opening of the application period for Quarter 2 of the Atlantic Red Snapper Exempted Fishing Permits (EFP) Project. Applications will be accepted starting October 4 and will remain open for ten days. This is the second opportunity in a series of four, with further application periods scheduled for January and April 2025.
To apply, participants interested in the FWC Hot Spot Fleet and FWC Southeast Florida Snapper Grouper Fleet Projects should submit their applications via GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Selection will be determined through a lottery system. A video tutorial is available to guide applicants through the process.
For those interested in joining the FWC Study Fleet, completion of an online application form is required. These applications will undergo review based on specific Study Fleet criteria before selection.
Earlier this year, FWC received three EFPs from NOAA Fisheries to conduct distinct studies aimed at collaborating with anglers, reducing red snapper discards, increasing harvest opportunities, and enhancing angler satisfaction. "EFPs are permits that allow harvesting for specific purposes that are otherwise prohibited under current federal regulations," explained an FWC representative.
The project includes three studies off Florida’s east coast from the Florida/Georgia line south to the Dry Tortugas. The FWC Study Fleet and FWC Hot Spot Fleet studies span from the Florida/Georgia line to Cape Canaveral's NASA Assembly building. Meanwhile, the FWC Southeast Florida Snapper Grouper Fleet study extends from Cape Canaveral to the Dry Tortugas.
Each study focuses on testing aggregate snapper-grouper bag limits to reduce discards, improving catch and discard reporting via an FWC app, and evaluating angler satisfaction among EFP participants compared to those adhering to federal regulations.
"The FWC is incredibly excited to offer this unique opportunity to Florida’s saltwater anglers," stated an official announcement. Anglers are encouraged to apply and find more information at MyFWC.com/AtlanticEFP.
For inquiries, contact the FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management at 850-487-0554.