For the second consecutive year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has received three Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) from NOAA Fisheries to conduct studies on Atlantic red snapper and other reef fish. These permits allow selected participants to harvest red snapper outside of the short federal season for research purposes.
Jessica McCawley, Director of FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management, stated, “Year 1 of the project was a success with over 1,600 anglers selected to participate and provide better data on Atlantic red snapper and other reef fish species to improve management in the south Atlantic. We’re excited to offer this unique opportunity for a second year with a few modifications. But we need your help to keep the momentum going and make Year 2 even more of a success.”
Applications for Quarter 1 of Year 2 are open from August 1 through August 10. Anglers interested in participating in the FWC Hot Spot Fleet or Southeast Florida Snapper Grouper Fleet projects must apply at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, where participants will be chosen by lottery. For those interested in joining the FWC Study Fleet, applications should be submitted via an online form and will be reviewed based on specific criteria.
The studies cover Florida’s east coast from the Florida/Georgia line south to the Dry Tortugas. The FWC Study Fleet and Hot Spot Fleet operate between the Florida/Georgia line and Cape Canaveral’s NASA vehicle assembly building, while the Southeast Florida Snapper Grouper Fleet covers from Cape Canaveral southward. All three studies aim to test an aggregate snapper-grouper bag limit, improve reporting through an FWC app, reduce discards, and assess angler satisfaction compared to those following current federal regulations.
Data collected during Year 1 is being used in an upcoming stock assessment for Atlantic red snapper. The continuation of this project is expected to further inform fisheries management in the South Atlantic region.
Saltwater anglers and for-hire operators are encouraged by FWC to apply for participation. Additional information about these studies can be found at MyFWC.com/AtlanticEFP.
Questions regarding participation can be directed to FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management at 850-487-0554.