NOAA Fisheries has declared a limited Red Snapper season for the South Atlantic, despite an unprecedentedly large biomass of Red Snapper. Astonishingly, recreational anglers are granted only ONE day to participate, with a meager one-fish-per-person bag limit. While there’s been a positive trend in using descending devices to enhance catch-and-release survival rates for snapper and other deep-dwelling species, the federal fisheries management system remains rigid, relying solely on questionable data and antiquated models to govern this dynamic fish population.

Federal fisheries managers seem content with these brief red snapper seasons becoming the norm, a prospect deemed entirely unacceptable. Moreover, NOAA Fisheries is actively pursuing further restrictions, such as bottom fishing closures and limited entry for recreational anglers. This prompts a call to action for the South Atlantic states to unite and assume greater management responsibilities, rectifying the mismanagement of this fishery and ensuring appropriate public access to South Atlantic marine resources.

The announcement of the 24-hour season stands as yet another exasperating instance of an inflexible federal fisheries management system, perceived by many as punitive rather than constructive. #CCAFlorida pledges to persist in collaboration with partners in the recreational fishing, boating, and tackle community, advocating for a more adaptable approach to sound fisheries management.