Charleston, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources' (SCDNR) Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) for red snapper remains suspended due to a federal court injunction affecting similar permits in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The permit would have allowed a 62-day red snapper season in federal waters off South Carolina beginning July 1.
Because the injunction will not be resolved before the planned season start, SCDNR has requested to withdraw its current EFP application and intends to work with NOAA Fisheries, partner states, and stakeholders to develop a revised proposal with a fall start date. The updated proposal will continue to focus on collecting important biological and harvest data, testing electronic reporting systems, and evaluating alternative management strategies for red snapper in the South Atlantic.
SCDNR remains committed to the goals of the pilot project.
"We are disappointed that anglers will not have the opportunity to participate in this project beginning July 1st," said SCDNR Director Dr. Tom Mullikin. "However, the need for better data coupled with improved management tools has not changed. Reliable information is essential to ensure that future decisions are based on sound science and that anglers have the ability to directly provide accurate data through meaningful access to a healthy red snapper fishery."
SCDNR will provide updates through its social media channels and the SCDNR red snapper project website as additional information becomes available.
Anglers are reminded that red snapper harvest remains open year-round in South Carolina state waters, with a two-fish per person bag limit and a 20-inch minimum total length.