Overview
- President Trump said Friday his administration approved state permits for the 2026 recreational Atlantic red snapper season in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
- The approvals rely on NOAA’s Exempted Fishing Permit program, which lets states run recreational seasons in federal waters to expand access and improve local catch data.
- Florida officials set a May 22 start, with the American Sportfishing Association reporting seasons of about 39 days in Florida and 62 in South Carolina, with Georgia and North Carolina in between.
- Ocean Conservancy warned the longer openings risk overfishing, citing estimates that a 39-day Florida season could far exceed the South Atlantic recreational catch limit.
- The debate follows years of tight federal openings after the stock fell to about 11% of historic levels and entered a rebuilding plan scheduled through 2044.