Charleston, S.C.- The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has received approval from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) to pilot a new state-based recreational data collection program for Atlantic red snapper. South Carolina is working cooperatively with North Carolina, Georgia and Florida on the regional effort.
Red Snapper being released using proper fish handling practices (Matt Perkinson, SCDNR).
Recent scientific assessments indicate that the Atlantic red snapper are not overfished and that overfishing may no longer be occurring. However, better information on how many anglers are targeting red snapper, how many are harvested, and how many are released is needed to make smart fisheries management decisions. An exempted fishing permit allows SCDNR and recreational anglers to work together in collecting that information, with the benefit of greater access to the fishery.
This effort is about building a better long-term future for the red snapper fishery. By improving data and testing innovative management tools, South Carolina can help create a more sustainable and accessible fishery for recreational anglers.
SCDNR will release more details in the coming weeks on this pilot program.