ASA and CCA Respond to Court Decision Blocking South Atlantic Red Snapper Pilot Programs
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) are deeply disappointed by the decision issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granting a preliminary injunction against the 2026 South Atlantic red snapper Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) pilot programs approved by NOAA Fisheries for Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. This preliminary injunction was issued just hours before Florida's Atlantic red snapper season under their EFP was set to begin, leading to immediate confusion, frustration and economic disruption for anglers, for-hire operators, marinas, tackle shops and coastal communities that had prepared for the opening of the 2026 season.
Click below to read our full joint statement.
Tell NOAA to Modernize its Outdated Vessel Speed Rule
In 2022, NOAA proposed a sweeping expansion of the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Speed Rule that would have forced many small recreational boats along the East Coast to travel at just 10 knots for up to seven months out of the year. The proposal would have created serious consequences for the sportfishing community without providing meaningful conservation improvements for whales.
Write NOAA and urge the agency to pursue a modern, technology-driven approach that protects whales while preserving boating access, safe navigation, and coastal jobs. Act today — Comments are due by 11:59 EDT on June 2.
