NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comments on an Application for an Exempted Fishing Permit to Collect Red Snapper for Aquaculture Research

Key Message:

NOAA Fisheries is accepting comments on an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from Cultimar Technologies, Inc. The applicant proposes to collect 200 red snapper from federal waters off the Atlantic coast of Florida and transport the fish to a hatchery research facility in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The collected fish would be used to establish a genetically diverse broodstock population and to support marine aquaculture research through a consistent supply of fingerlings.

Program Concepts

• Currently, the U.S. lacks a consistent supply of fingerlings for the aquaculture of warm water marine species. Cultimar seeks to address this by establishing the first private red snapper ( Lutjanus campechanus ) hatchery. The 200 collected fish would form 10 distinct breeding cohorts to ensure genetic diversity.
• The project would also analyze the effects of capture depth and handling practices on the long-term reproductive performance of red snapper. This research would provide a better understanding of the impacts of the catch-and-release fishery on overall spawning stock health.
• This EFP is requested for a duration starting in May 2026 through March 2027. Fishing would take place in federal waters off Cape Canaveral, Florida, primarily at depths between 50 and 200 feet. Fishing would utilize hook-and-line gear with single-hook circle rigs. Proper venting and descending devices would be used for any bycatch and to mitigate barotrauma. No fish collected under this permit would be sold to third parties; they would be offloaded directly at the hatchery facility in Puerto Rico for research purposes.

NOAA Fisheries finds this application warrants further consideration, and is seeking public comment on the application. A final decision on issuance of the EFP will depend on NOAA Fisheries' review of public comments received, the South Atlantic and Caribbean Fishery Management Councils' recommendations, consultations with the affected states, and the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as a determination that the project is consistent with all applicable laws.

How to Comment on the Application:

The comment period is open now through May 21, 2026. You may submit comments by electronic submission or by postal mail. Comments sent by any other method (such as e-mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries.

Application information: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/resources-fishing/cultimar-exempted-fishing-permit-red-snapper-collection-aquaculture

Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.

1. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket/NOAA-NMFS-2026-1057 .

2. Click the "Open for Comments" icon, complete the required fields.

3. Enter or attach your comments.

Mail: Submit written comments to Karla Gore, NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

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Media: Allison Garrett, 727-551-5750