Notice2026-02927
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; Requests for Exempted Fishing Permits
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Published
February 13, 2026
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
NMFS announces the receipt of four applications for exempted fishing permits (EFP) from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR), South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF). If issued by NMFS, each EFP would exempt the applicable state agency and participating fishermen from specific Federal regulations applicable to the recreational harvest of red snapper in the South Atlantic. The applicants each propose to pilot test state data collection and management strategies for the recreational harvest of red snapper in 2026. The outcomes of the 2026 EFPs would guide the need for, and possible refinement of, future EFP applications in 2027 and 2028. The purposes of these EFPs are to improve data on recreational fishing effort, catch, and discards of red snapper in the South Atlantic and to inform the development of a long-term state-led management strategy for the recreational red snapper fishery.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 30 (Friday, February 13, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6827-6832]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-02927]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XF539]
Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic; Requests for
Exempted Fishing Permits
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of receipt of applications for exempted fishing permits;
request for comments.
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SUMMARY: NMFS announces the receipt of four applications for exempted
fishing permits (EFP) from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission (FWC), Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR),
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and North
Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF). If issued by NMFS, each
EFP would exempt the applicable state agency and participating
fishermen from specific Federal regulations applicable to the
recreational harvest of red snapper in the South Atlantic. The
applicants each propose to pilot test state data collection and
management strategies for the recreational harvest of red snapper in
2026. The outcomes of the 2026 EFPs would guide the need for, and
possible refinement of, future EFP applications in 2027 and 2028. The
purposes of these EFPs are to improve data on recreational fishing
effort, catch, and discards of red snapper in the South Atlantic and to
inform the development of a long-term state-led management strategy for
the recreational red snapper fishery.
DATES: Written comments must be received no later than March 10, 2026.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the applications, identified by
NOAA-NMFS-2026-0496 by either of the following methods:
<bullet> Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> and type ``NOAA-NMFS-2026-0496'', in the Search
box. Click the ``Comment'' icon, complete the required fields, and
enter or attach your comments.
<bullet> Mail: Submit all written comments to Mary Vara, Southeast
Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period
may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> without change. All personal identifying
information (e.g., name, address), confidential business information,
or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender
will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments--enter
``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous.
Electronic copies of the EFP applications may be obtained from the
Southeast Regional Office website at <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/recreational-fishing-data/south-atlantic-red-snapper-state-data-collection-and-management">https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/recreational-fishing-data/south-atlantic-red-snapper-state-data-collection-and-management</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andy Strelcheck, phone: 727-824-5305,
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d4b5bab0adfaa7a0a6b1b8b7bcb1b7bf94babbb5b5fab3bba2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d8b9b6bca1f6abacaabdb4bbb0bdbbb398b6b7b9b9f6bfb7ae">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The EFPs are requested under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act; 16
U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and regulations at 50 CFR 600.745(b) concerning
exempted fishing.
On November 10, 2025, NMFS received four EFP applications from the
FWC, GADNR, SCDNR, and NCDMF (or ``the applicants'') for the
recreational harvest of South Atlantic red snapper. NMFS reviewed the
applications and provided feedback to the applicants on January 9,
2026. Updated applications addressing this feedback were received on
January 23, 2026. The applicants are the primary agencies for marine
fisheries management in their respective states, and actively
participate with NMFS in the management of Federal fisheries in the
South Atlantic. The primary purposes of these EFPs are to
[[Page 6828]]
improve data on recreational fishing effort, catch, and discards of red
snapper in the South Atlantic, and to inform the development of a long-
term state-led management strategy for the recreational red snapper
fishery. Additional purposes of the EFPs are to provide recreational
fishermen on privately owned vessels (private vessels, private
anglers), and the owners or operators of charter vessels or headboats
(for-hire fishermen) increased fishing opportunities for red snapper,
and collect related biological, social, and economic information from
the fishery. Fishery managers have been challenged to satisfy
fishermen's desires for longer fishing seasons as red snapper encounter
rates have increased in response to rebuilding measures, resulting in
forgone yield because more fish are estimated to be dying after
release. Further, percent standard error estimates in this fishery are
high, which are generated from the Federal Marine Recreational
Information Program (MRIP), indicating low precision and significant
uncertainty that would benefit from improved data collection efforts
and approaches. These proposed EFPs aim to address this challenge by
improving recreational catch estimation and reducing discards so
fishing opportunities can increase.
The geographic scope of the states' proposed projects is South
Atlantic state and Federal waters off Florida, Georgia, South Carolina,
and North Carolina. Currently, red snapper data are collected through
NMFS' MRIP and supplemented by FWC's specialized East Coast red snapper
survey and various state carcass collection programs. Florida
implemented the specialized survey in 2012 to provide more accurate
estimates of in-season red snapper landings given MRIP's limitations in
generating precise and timely in-season estimates during the short
Federal seasons supported by recreational catch limits in recent years.
The applicants propose to use existing state-based surveys (FWC) or
develop and test new electronic methods for data collection (FWC,
GADNR, SCDNR, NCDMF) during extended state and Federal recreational red
snapper fishing seasons to further increase the precision of
recreational catch, effort, and discard estimates. The applicants
collaborated to develop similar proposals, and this notice addresses
the four state applications together due to similarities between the
applicants' desired timing for the proposed projects. This notice
summarizes the states' applications for EFPs by the shared features,
and then gives an overview of each application by state to explain
unique elements. Reference the individual state EFP applications for
complete details of each proposed project at the website in the
ADDRESSES section.
General Description of Proposed Projects
The projects proposed to be conducted under EFPs and summarized in
this notice would apply to the recreational harvest of red snapper in
state and Federal waters off the states of Florida, Georgia, South
Carolina, and North Carolina. The common goals of the proposed projects
are to provide more precise estimates of the numbers of recreational
fishermen targeting red snapper, and the associated fishing effort and
catch, and to gather information that may be used for further state
involvement in management of the resource. Recreational fishermen
participating under an EFP would include state-permitted private
anglers, and state or federally permitted for-hire fishermen. Any
discussion in this notice that relates to an angler that has paid to
access fish from a for-hire vessel will be described specifically
(paying angler on a for-hire vessel). None of the applicants' proposed
projects would apply to the commercial harvest of red snapper in South
Atlantic state or Federal waters, which would occur as usual in a
manner consistent with the current regulations.
The applicants intend to conduct multi-year projects for the
purposes described in the Background section of this notice. Each
applicant has proposed to establish a state management strategy for the
recreational harvest of red snapper in 2026 to expand access to red
snapper over a longer period during a fishing year through the
establishment of extended state and Federal recreational fishing
seasons. The applicants stated that at the end of year 1, they would
meet with NMFS to discuss outcomes, and any requested modifications to
their EFPs for subsequent years would be submitted to NMFS as changes
are made to the methodology of the projects. The total number of red
snapper that would be harvested under these EFPs would be commensurate
with the length of the proposed recreational fishing seasons for red
snapper. The applicants intend to constrain harvest utilizing bag
limits, a size limit (SCDNR), and the number of fishing days authorized
under the EFPs, noting their lack of confidence in MRIP effort, catch,
and discard estimates, and that those estimates do not allow for an
exact estimate of landings until the first year of data collection
under the EFPs is complete. Then, they noted their intent to estimate
this information in future years using data collected during the
extended 2026 recreational red snapper fishing seasons. These proposed
extended recreational seasons would replace the Federal recreational
season in July annually announced by NMFS under current regulations.
During 2026, the applicants' data collection programs would each focus
on a few aspects of the fishery, including identifying the number of
recreational anglers, improving effort and catch data through testing
and use of electronic data collection, and gathering biological, social
and economic information.
To participate as a private angler or for-hire fisherman in any of
the proposed projects and be exempted from Federal regulations for
recreational red snapper harvest, a participant must follow all of the
requirements under the EFP issued to the state in which they are
licensed and landing the fish. Participating private anglers and for-
hire operators landing red snapper in the states granted EFPs would be
required to have the necessary state and Federal permits and licenses
for the states where they will land the fish.
Participants in any of the four projects would be required to
report electronically to the applicable state agency after a fishing
trip. Participants would be required to complete and submit a trip
report before they can initiate a new trip. Methods to submit the
mandatory trip report would vary by state and whether fishing would
occur as a private angler or on a vessel operated by a for-hire
fisherman.
Participants would be able to retain one red snapper per person per
day if they meet the other required conditions. Additionally, each of
the applicants propose to prohibit the retention of red snapper by
captain and crew of a for-hire vessel.
Unless specifically exempted under an EFP for the recreational
harvest of red snapper or for the recreational harvest of other
federally managed snapper-grouper species, current Federal regulations
will continue to apply. Participation under each EFP may require
additional or more restrictive provisions than current Federal
regulations, such as a state license requirement or different harvest
limit, and those provisions are summarized later by state and detailed
in each application.
Proposed Projects by State
Florida
FWC is requesting an EFP from May 1, 2026, through December 31,
2028, applicable to the recreational harvest of red snapper in state
and Federal waters
[[Page 6829]]
off Florida's Atlantic coast. The proposal would test two methods of
recreational data collection to improve monitoring of red snapper
fishing effort, landings, and discards by private anglers and for-hire
fishermen in state and Federal waters during an extended state and
Federal recreational fishing season. FWC would use the data collected
in 2026 to inform the season length and structure established by the
state for 2027 and 2028 in collaboration with NMFS.
In 2026, FWC proposes to allow the recreational harvest of red
snapper in state and Federal waters during a season divided into summer
and fall segments totaling 39 fishing days. The proposed season would
occur daily from May 22 through June 20, and then from Fridays through
Sundays during October 2-4, October 9-11, and October 16-18. FWC
proposed these dates to gather baseline data over a longer and more
varied period compared to recent Federal seasons, and after
consideration of fishery and environmental data, and public input. Each
fishing trip during those summer and fall segments would be required to
begin and end in Florida.
Participants, Permits, and License Requirements
FWC would allow a fisherman to harvest red snapper under the EFP if
applicable state license and Federal permit requirements are met. At
minimum, a private angler would need a valid saltwater recreational
fishing license issued by Florida (or be otherwise exempt) and a valid
State Reef Fish Survey (SRFS) endorsement to fish in state and Federal
waters. For-hire fishermen would need the state Atlantic red snapper
for-hire permit to fish in state waters only, while the same state
permit and a Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for snapper-grouper
would be required to fish in state and Federal waters. Harvest of red
snapper would be allowed by spearfishing or hook-and-line fishing gear.
Aggregate Bag Limit
In addition to a maximum of one red snapper per person each day,
FWC proposes to manage red snapper harvest as part of a 10-fish
aggregate bag limit of snapper-grouper species to test whether such a
limit could reduce discard mortality of the aggregate species. The
proposed composition and limits for the species in the aggregate are
detailed in the FWC application linked in the ADDRESSES section. Once a
participant was to reach any combination of 10 fish from the aggregate,
they would be required to stop bottom fishing for federally managed
snapper-grouper species for the remainder of the trip to minimize catch
and reduce discard mortality of other snapper-grouper species.
Fishermen may still target other species managed by the state or NMFS
after reaching the limit, such as coastal migratory pelagic species,
like king mackerel and cobia.
Unless specifically exempted or required to participate under the
EFP, all other current Federal regulations would continue to apply. For
example, if a regulatory closure occurs in-season for any species other
than for recreationally harvested red snapper, EFP participants would
be prohibited from harvesting that species.
Reporting
FWC is proposing to use SRFS, an established state data collection
method, and a voluntary smartphone application (phone app) for data
collection. FWC would request private anglers and for-hire operators to
submit a trip declaration using the voluntary phone app before each
fishing trip. FWC intends that a trip declaration could provide
additional insight into intended and actual fishing effort during the
fishing season. Private anglers and for-hire captains fishing under the
EFP would be required to report information about the trip, landings,
and discards through SRFS. FWC would also encourage participants to
voluntarily submit the same trip information through the phone app.
Trip reports submitted through the voluntary phone app would need to
occur within 24 hours after a fishing trip ends. An EFP would allow FWC
to evaluate the usefulness of the phone app as a method to collect
recreational data and to compare collected data with those collected
through SRFS. The data collected through the FWC project would include
elements such as the number of fish harvested and released, and the
number of fish released alive and dead. Unless exempted, for-hire
fishermen will continue to report all for-hire trips as required by 50
CFR 622.176(b).
Enforcement
FWC's proposed enforcement strategy for the project would involve a
multi-layered approach that integrates education with direct field
monitoring by state and Federal agents. FWC managers would closely
coordinate with law enforcement, field biologists, and phone staff to
ensure all parties are informed of the project's specific requirements,
such as the aggregate bag limit. Signing up for the state Atlantic red
snapper for-hire permit would allow FWC to provide a registry of
participants to law enforcement for verification. Furthermore, FWC
staff would conduct dockside sampling and angler interviews at access
points to validate catch data and ensure adherence to the experimental
fishing guidelines, including verifying and recording the use of
descending devices.
Outreach
FWC would implement a targeted outreach plan for participants under
the EFP to reduce confusion and increase compliance. Outreach would
include information on how the aggregate bag limit would change
throughout the year as fishing seasons for some snapper-grouper species
(e.g., gag grouper, blueline tilefish) will be open during the first
portion of the proposed split season but closed during the second
portion. FWC states that they already developed outreach materials for
the aggregate bag limit, which they previously tested under the FWC's
2024-2026 Atlantic EFP projects.
Other Existing EFPs
FWC is currently in year 2 of three Atlantic red snapper research
projects supported by EFPs through September 30, 2026 (more information
on these projects can be found at <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/bycatch/south-atlantic-red-snapper-exempted-fishing-permits-2025-2026">https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/bycatch/south-atlantic-red-snapper-exempted-fishing-permits-2025-2026</a>). NMFS funded these projects in 2024 and 2025 in response to
a request for proposals designed to test innovative recreational
management strategies aimed at reducing dead discards of snapper-
grouper species and to provide additional red snapper harvest
opportunities. FWC intends to continue these Atlantic research projects
at least until NMFS responds to this new EFP request. FWC has stated
that they are able to conduct all of the projects simultaneously but
are willing to coordinate with NMFS on whether to end the three ongoing
Atlantic research projects early if this new EFP is issued.
Georgia
GADNR is requesting an EFP to conduct a pilot study to develop and
test a state-based data collection system for the recreational harvest
of red snapper off Georgia in state and Federal waters using a state
management system. This study aims to address the lack of precision in
current Federal catch estimates and to evaluate alternative data
collection approaches. GADNR anticipates that the outcome of the 2026
pilot will inform a decision to extend the program through 2027 and
2028.
[[Page 6830]]
GADNR is requesting an initial 1-year EFP to harvest red snapper
beginning in 2026. Specifically, the state proposes to establish a 62-
day recreational fishing season for red snapper in state and Federal
waters that aligns with MRIP wave 4, running from July 1 through August
31, 2026. This timing was selected because wave 4 historically
represents the period with the highest rates of recreational fishing
effort and discards. While GADNR is seeking the EFP for 2026, the state
has expressed its intent to potentially extend the project through a
subsequent EFP request for an additional 2 years (covering 2027 and
2028) to better test the validity of their data collection application
and establish long-term catch trends.
Each fishing trip taken under the EFP would be required to begin
and end at a landing location in Georgia. Consistent with the proposed
methods, private anglers and anglers on a for-hire vessel would be
allowed to harvest one red snapper per person per day. While the
captain and crew on charter or headboat trips would be prohibited from
retaining a bag limit, properly licensed private anglers and paying
anglers on a for-hire vessel could harvest red snapper within the
defined season. Unless specifically exempted or required to participate
under the EFP, all other current Federal regulations would continue to
apply.
Participants, Permits, and License Requirements
Participation in the state management program under an EFP would be
open to properly licensed private anglers and for-hire fishermen.
Private anglers would be required to possess a valid Georgia
recreational fishing license and a free annual Saltwater Information
Program permit. For-hire fishermen would be required to be properly
licensed in Georgia and, when operating in Federal waters, to hold a
valid Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for snapper-grouper. To
harvest red snapper under the EFP, all participants would be required
to register with the state's electronic data reporting application and
follow all mandatory reporting conditions.
Reporting
GADNR proposes to use VESL, an electronic reporting application
developed by Bluefin Data LLC, to collect data from private anglers. To
be consistent with the legislative text for Georgia's reef and
migratory fishes endorsement, the project would require each private
angler to report except under certain circumstances, when alternate
trip participants would be allowed to submit data on another angler's
behalf. Participants would be required to obtain a trip authorization
code prior to departing on each fishing trip, and to submit a mandatory
post-trip report within 24 hours of the trip's departure time. The data
collected through the state survey program could include trip length
and end time, depth fished, and the number of red snapper harvested or
released and their status. Mandatory trip reporting by for-hire
fishermen would continue under existing requirements at 50 CFR
622.176(b).
Enforcement
Compliance with the EFP regulations would be enforced by GADNR law
enforcement officers, who would conduct at-sea and dockside intercepts
to verify that private anglers have obtained the required trip
authorization codes. Officers would also monitor for-hire fishing
activity to ensure that mandatory trip reports are submitted following
the landing of any red snapper. Additionally, the state would utilize
law enforcement engagement and data from the existing MRIP to identify
and determine rates of non-compliance during 2026. No correction
factors for non-reporting or misreporting are proposed for generating
catch estimates.
Outreach
To support the successful implementation of the 2026 project, GADNR
would develop and distribute a variety of outreach materials aimed at
educating private anglers and for-hire fishermen on participation
requirements. These resources would emphasize the mandatory nature of
the electronic data reporting system and detail the expectations for
all participants under an EFP. Educational efforts would also encourage
participants to complete and submit trip reports as soon as possible,
while maintaining the reporting deadline of no later than 24 hours
after the trip departure time. Furthermore, GADNR plans to leverage
partnerships with industry leaders who have pledged to help disseminate
this information and support the project requirements and reporting
mandates within the fishing community.
South Carolina
SCDNR is requesting an EFP to conduct a pilot study to develop and
test a state-based data collection system for the recreational harvest
of red snapper off South Carolina in state and Federal waters. This
study aims to increase fishing opportunities for fishermen, test a data
collection program for private anglers, test management options, and
improve available data for management of the recreational harvest of
red snapper.
SCDNR is requesting an initial 1-year EFP to harvest red snapper
beginning in 2026. Specifically, the state proposes a 62-day season
that aligns with MRIP wave 4, running from July 1 through August 31,
2026. This timing was selected because wave 4 historically represents
the period with the highest rates of fishing effort and discards. While
the permit is being sought for 2026, the state has expressed the intent
to potentially extend the pilot program for an additional 2 years
(covering 2027 and 2028) to better test the validity of their data
collection application and establish long-term catch trends.
Each fishing trip must originate and terminate at a South Carolina
landing location. Consistent with the proposed methods, anglers would
be allowed to harvest one red snapper per person per day. In addition
to the bag limit, SCDNR proposed a minimum size limit of 20 inches or
approximately 51 centimeters in total length to match the current
minimum size limit in state waters. The rationale provided for such a
limit in Federal waters off South Carolina is to match existing state
water regulations for fishermen and enforcement benefit. All other
provisions for red snapper and for other species would remain in
effect. While the captain and crew on charter or headboat trips would
be prohibited from retaining a daily bag limit, properly licensed
private and for-hire anglers may harvest fish within the defined
season.
Participants, Permits, and License Requirements
Under the proposed project, SCDNR would allow private anglers and
for-hire fishermen to fish under the EFP after meeting the license and
permit requirements. For private anglers, SCDNR would require an
existing state saltwater fishing license (or be otherwise exempt) and
would require a state-issued experimental red snapper harvest permit. A
for-hire fisherman would need a state charter vessel or headboat
license, and a Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for snapper-
grouper to fish in Federal waters. To prevent an increase of new for-
hire fishermen solely to participate under an EFP and to harvest red
snapper, SCDNR would require possession of the valid for-hire state
license and Federal permit to have been issued prior to January 1,
2026. All private anglers and for-hire fishermen participating under an
EFP must possess a copy of the EFP while fishing. If granted, SCDNR
would distribute a digital copy of the issued
[[Page 6831]]
EFP to all participating private anglers and for-hire fishermen.
Reporting
Participating private anglers and for-hire fishermen would use
VESL, a data reporting program to register to fish. VESL is the
application currently used to collect electronic for-hire data from
state licensed and federally permitted charter vessels and headboats.
To participate under the EFP, private anglers must declare each trip
via the VESL application no earlier than 5 days before departure, and
then complete and submit a mandatory trip report no later than 24 hours
after the trip departure time. Upon declaring a trip, private anglers
would receive a trip authorization code, which must be presented to law
enforcement for inspection if requested. Under certain circumstances,
alternate trip participants may submit data on another angler's behalf.
To ensure compliance and data integrity, the VESL system is designed so
that a new trip cannot be initiated or authorized until the previous
trip's report has been completed and submitted. For-hire fishermen
would continue mandatory reporting through the same VESL application in
compliance with existing requirements at 50 CFR 622.176(b). The data
collected through the SCDNR project could include elements such as the
number of red snapper harvested, the number of fish released alive or
dead, primary depth fished, and total hours spent fishing.
Enforcement
Compliance with the EFP regulations would be enforced by SCDNR law
enforcement officers, who would conduct inspections at-sea and at
landing locations. Officers would verify that all private anglers and
for-hire fishermen possess the necessary valid licenses and permits.
During these encounters, private anglers would be required to present
their trip authorization code for the specific trip being inspected. To
ensure data integrity, enforcement officers would also monitor for-hire
fishermen to verify that landed fish correspond with submitted
mandatory reports. SCDNR would provide absolute harvest and discard
values for red snapper collected during wave 4. No correction factors
for non-reporting or misreporting are proposed for generating catch
estimates as the focus of year 1 is to assist anglers in reaching a
full census of data through direct engagement and automated system
reminders.
Outreach
To support the successful implementation of the 2026 pilot program,
SCDNR plans to implement an extensive outreach and education campaign
to ensure angler compliance and build positive momentum for the new
data reporting program. Prior to a red snapper recreational season,
SCDNR would use social media, news releases, and in-person engagements
at fishing clubs and seminars to clearly communicate permit and
mandatory reporting requirements. A dedicated website would provide
instructional videos for the VESL application, step-by-step reporting
guides, and a downloadable trip datasheet to assist with accurate data
entry. During the fishing season, SCDNR staff and law enforcement would
engage directly with participants at docks to distribute materials,
assist with the post-trip reporting process, and collect biological
data such as length, weight, and otoliths. The agency would also
leverage partnerships with industry leaders to disseminate information
and conduct post-season surveys to evaluate angler preferences and
program effectiveness.
North Carolina
NCDMF is requesting an EFP from July 1 through August 31, 2026.
NCDMF may also request an EFP annually for up to 3 years. NCDMF
proposes to develop and test a state-based data collection system for
the recreational harvest of red snapper in state and Federal waters off
North Carolina. The study aims to improve the accuracy of harvest and
discard data, better understand behavior of recreational fishermen, and
ultimately transition toward state-led management of the species. The
proposed methodology for this pilot program focuses on improving the
accuracy of fishery data through several integrated research
activities. Through the state's fish carcass collection program, the
NCDMF would gather biological data from donated fish carcasses to
better understand the stock's health.
Under the NCDMF proposal, the recreational harvest of red snapper
would be allowed during a proposed 62-day season from July 1 through
August 31, 2026, which corresponds to the same sampling period of MRIP
wave 4. NCDMF has proposed these dates to test an alternate data
collection program and management measures in this fishery to provide
immediate tracking of both harvests and discards.
The allowable gear to participate under an EFP would be limited to
hook and line gear. Private anglers and paying anglers on for-hire
vessels would be allowed to harvest one red snapper per person per day.
Participants would be required to follow all other existing state and
Federal regulations. To constrain the overall harvest during the
extended season, the NCDMF would limit private anglers to the more
restrictive of either one fish per person or four fish per vessel per
day. Within the for-hire component, the bag and vessel limits would
vary based on the number of paying anglers. On a charter vessel (six or
fewer passengers), the more restrictive of either a bag limit per
paying angler or a vessel limit would apply. The bag limit per paying
angler would be one fish per day, or a vessel limit of four. On a
headboat (more than 6 paying passengers), a vessel limit of 20 fish
would apply. A for-hire captain and crew would be excluded from
possessing a bag limit of red snapper.
Participants, Permits, and License Requirements
As detailed in the application, NCDMF would allow participation
under an EFP as a private angler or for-hire fisherman if all
applicable state license and Federal permit requirements are met.
Private anglers would need a valid state coastal recreational fishing
license unless an individual is otherwise exempted. All for-hire
fishermen would need one of two state licenses and the Federal charter
vessel/headboat permit for snapper-grouper. To prevent an increase of
new for-hire fishermen solely to participate under an EFP and to
harvest red snapper, NCDMF would require possession of the valid for-
hire state license and Federal permit to have been issued prior to
January 1, 2026. As part of these requirements, all private anglers and
for-hire fishermen must also apply to be data collectors under a state
scientific or educational activity permit.
Further, participants must formally acknowledge that reporting is
required for all red snapper caught, whether they were specifically
targeted or caught incidentally. The NCDMF application does not state
whether each fishing trip under an EFP would need to begin and end in
North Carolina.
Reporting
All private anglers would submit mandatory trip reports using the
VESL application created by Bluefin LLC. The proposed project also
includes a specific mail and email survey to collect demographic,
social, and economic data. Private anglers would utilize the phone app
to declare a fishing trip no earlier than 5 days prior to the start of
a trip to receive a trip authorization
[[Page 6832]]
code linked to each trip, which NCDMF would also verify this code
during trip reporting. After each fishing trip, private anglers must
complete and submit the trip report no later than 24 hours from the
trip departure time. Mandatory trip reporting by for-hire fishermen
would continue under existing requirements at 50 CFR 622.176(b). As
mentioned earlier, NCDMF does not state whether fishing under an EFP
would require all trips to begin and end in North Carolina. However,
the application does specify that data collected through VESL would
require private anglers to submit the landing county and site before
fishing occurs. Data collected through the VESL phone app would be
summarized every other week. No correction factors for non-reporting or
misreporting are proposed for generating catch estimates in year 1.
Enforcement
Enforcement of the EFP would be managed through a combination of
field inspections and digital reporting controls. NCDMF law enforcement
officers would intercept private recreational anglers at boat ramps and
docks to verify that they have obtained a unique trip authorization
code for any trip targeting or retaining red snapper. For-hire captains
are also required to keep a copy of the EFP on board to prove
participation during law enforcement checks. NCDMF requested an
increase in the presence of NOAA law enforcement officers during the
proposed season to help with compliance of anglers participating in the
EFP study.
Outreach
NCDMF would conduct outreach through press releases and social
media to announce participation opportunities for the EFP. To ensure
compliance with mandatory reporting, NCDMF would develop instructional
videos demonstrating how to use the VESL phone app. Private
recreational anglers and for-hire captains who register would be
subject to follow-up surveys via email to collect demographic, social,
and economic data, as well as feedback on trip satisfaction.
Requested Exemptions
The applicants have each requested exemptions to certain Federal
regulations for the proposed projects in the South Atlantic.
FWC has requested exemptions from:
50 CFR 622.181(c)(2) that restricts combining harvest limits of red
snapper in Federal waters with any harvest limitation in state waters,
limits the harvest and possession of red snapper to the specified
season, and applies these limitations to a federally permitted for-hire
vessel in both state and Federal waters.
50 CFR 622.183(b)(5)(i) that specifies when the recreational season
will occur each year.
50 CFR 622.193(y)(2) that specifies the annual catch limit and
accountability measures applicable to the recreational harvest of red
snapper.
GADNR, SCDNR, and NCDMF have requested exemptions from:
50 CFR 622.8(b) that describes general closure provisions that
apply if landings reach a catch quota specified in 50 CFR part 622.
50 CFR 622.181(c)(2) that restricts combining harvest limits of red
snapper in Federal waters with any harvest limitation in state waters,
limits the harvest and possession of red snapper to the specified
season, and applies these limitations to a federally permitted for-hire
vessel in both state and Federal waters.
50 CFR 622.193(y)(2) that specifies the annual catch limit and
accountability measures applicable to the recreational harvest of red
snapper.
NMFS Preliminary Finding
NMFS finds the applications warrant further consideration based on
a preliminary review. The applications are considered together in this
notice because of the similar nature as stated earlier. However, each
application is independent and will be considered individually as part
of the overall recreational management of red snapper. If issued by
NMFS, an EFP may impose possible conditions, including but not limited
to a prohibition on fishing within marine protected areas, marine
sanctuaries, or special management zones without additional
authorization.
Final decisions on issuance of EFPs and the regulatory exemptions
will depend on NMFS' review of public comments received on the
applications, consultations with the appropriate fishery management
agencies of the affected states, the South Atlantic Fishery Management
Council, and the U.S. Coast Guard, and a determination that the
activities to be taken under the EFPs are consistent with all other
applicable laws.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: February 10, 2026.
David R. Blankinship,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-02927 Filed 2-11-26; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on February 13, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.