Council Receives Updates on Red Snapper State Management Efforts; Approves Black Sea Bass and Blueline Tilefish Measures During December Meeting

Representatives from each of the South Atlantic states presented information to the Council on their Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications for Red Snapper. The applications, submitted to the Secretary of Commerce on November 10, 2025, would explore state management of the recreational (private angler and for-hire) Red Snapper fishery. Copies of the individual EFPs are available in the December meeting briefing book materials.

The Council also received a presentation summarizing results of Year 1 of the Red Snapper EFP that was awarded to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in 2024. Following discussion, Council members drafted comments that will be used to develop a Council letter providing recommendations in response to the Red Snapper EFPs. NOAA Fisheries and the Secretary determines the approval or disapproval of all EFPs after taking public comment. Public comment on the Red Snapper EFPs will be solicited by NOAA Fisheries in 2026,after the EFPs are determined complete, according to Andy Strelchek, NOAA Fisheries Regional Administrator.

After reviewing public comment and recommendations from its Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel, the Council approved Regulatory Amendment 37 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, the Amendment would implement measures to reduce harvest and address the continuing decline in the Black Sea Bass stock in the South Atlantic.

The regulatory amendment would reduce the recreational bag limit from 7 fish per person per day to 3 fish per person per day and establish an annual two-month spawning season closure (February 1 – March 31) for both commercial and recreational sectors. No changes to the minimum size limit are being proposed. Regulatory Amendment 37 would establish recreational and commercial annual catch targets (ACTs) equal to 50% of the average landings from 2019-2023. The Council would reconsider the ACTs and associated measures two years after implementation. Additional actions will be considered through Amendment 56 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

The Council approved Abbreviated Framework Amendment 5 to update the Annual Catch Limit (ACL) for Blueline Tilefish in the South Atlantic region. The amendment was developed following the latest stock assessment for Atlantic Blueline Tilefish (SEDAR 92), completed in March 2025, and recommendations from the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee. The stock assessment includes Blueline Tilefish found within both the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils’ jurisdictions.

The Council reviewed the final draft amendment (Coral Amendment 11 and Shrimp Amendment 12) that would create a Shrimp Fishery Access Area along the eastern boundary of the northern extension of the Oculina Habitat Area of Particular Concern. The area is where the rock shrimp fishery historically operated. The Council was not able to approve the amendment at this meeting because several sections were not updated as planned due to the government shutdown earlier this fall.

The Council will hold a meeting via webinar on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. to address the necessary updates to the amendment before approving it for consideration by the Secretary of Commerce. Public comment will be accepted. Meeting materials, including an online public comment form, will be available one week prior to the January meeting.