Georgia DNR Requests 2-Month Recreational Red Snapper Season Under Federal Permit Application

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Coastal Resources Division (CRD) has submitted a federal Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) request that would establish a two-month recreational Red Snapper season in federal waters off Georgia's coast beginning in 2026.

Under the proposal, submitted to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Nov. 10, anglers would be allowed to harvest one Red Snapper per person per day with no minimum size limit, marking the longest potential season for Georgia anglers in more than a decade.

The extended season-aligned with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) two-month Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) sampling waves-is designed to give anglers more flexibility and reduce "derby-style" rushes while enhancing the quality of fisheries data.

Mandatory Reporting to Support Better Fishery Data

To operate during the proposed season, private anglers and for-hire guides would be required to register trips and report catch information using a new state-managed electronic reporting system. The platform would collect harvest, discard, effort, and location data in real time, improving the precision of estimates compared to traditional surveys. Yamaha Rightwaters, a sustainability initiative created by the Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, has committed to funding the platform's development.

The South Atlantic states of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida, have met several times since 2024 to explore alternative data-collection methods due to longstanding concerns about MRIP's large margins of error for Red Snapper. Georgia's EFP would test a system modeled after successful state-run programs in the Gulf and South Carolina.

All four South Atlantic states have submitted EFP proposals.

Expanded Season, Proposed Angler Requirements

If approved, the EFP would:

• Establish a two-month recreational Red Snapper season aligned with NOAA MRIP sampling periods (one season in 2026 in either May-June, July-August, or September-October).
• Allow anglers to harvest one Red Snapper per person per day, with no minimum size limit.
• Require all participating anglers to register trips and report harvest and release data through Georgia's new electronic reporting platform, which will be available as a smartphone application.
• Continue CRD's carcass-donation stations to collect biological information throughout the season.
• Apply consistent requirements to private anglers and for-hire guides.

Under the proposal, anglers must obtain a trip authorization number prior to fishing and submit a post-trip report detailing harvest, releases, fishing effort, and approximate location or depth fished. Anglers found out of compliance may be denied future EFP participation.

A Key Step in Advancing Better Red Snapper Management

CRD Director Doug Haymans said the EFP directly supports President Trump's April 2025 Executive Order 14276, "Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness," which calls on states and NOAA to expand the use of EFPs to modernize data collection and improve access for anglers.

"Georgia anglers have expressed frustration for years with extremely short Red Snapper seasons," Haymans said. "This proposal creates a longer, more predictable season while giving us far better data to support responsible management."

CRD Marine Fisheries Section Chief Dr. Carolyn Belcher added that the extended season also improves opportunities for biological sampling. CRD will continue operating carcass-donation freezers along the coast to collect age, size, and reproductive information from harvested fish.

Red Snapper stocks in federal waters have been managed by NOAA and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council since the first Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan was created in 1983.

Low Risk to Stock

According to the 2024 SouthEast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) 73 stock assessment update, Red Snapper in the South Atlantic are not overfished, overfishing may no longer be occurring, and the stock is ahead of schedule on its rebuilding timeline. Because overall recreational effort is not expected to increase-and retained fish would otherwise be discarded-the EFP poses low risk to the stock.

Next Steps

Georgia has requested prompt approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce to allow program development ahead of the 2026 season. If approved, the state anticipates applying for two additional years of EFP renewals covering 2027 and 2028.

Additional Resources

Download the Exempted Fishing Permit request submitted by CRD to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce

About the Coastal Resources Division

The mission of the Coastal Resources Division is to balance coastal development and protection of the coast's natural assets, socio-cultural heritage and recreational resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Media Contact

Tyler JonesPublic Information OfficerCoastal Resources DivisionGeorgia Department of Natural [email protected]-230-9709

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