Carter successfully fights to extend red snapper season

WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA) released the following statement on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries issuance of four exempted fishing permits (EFPs) to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries.

According to the Congressional Sportsmen Foundation, red snapper populations are the healthiest in history, rendering the current burdensome and overreaching federal policy severely restricting recreational fishing unnecessary. Georgia's recreational fishing industry has long struggled under federal fisheries data that limit access and impose heavy-handed restrictions, often set by bureaucrats far removed from our coastal communities. State management is a common-sense approach that allows tailored conservation and fishing policies to fit local needs.

Georgia's red snapper season will now be from July 1st to August 31st.

"As Co-Chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I'm proud to have tirelessly advocated for this win and am thrilled to bring home a proper red snapper fishing season to Georgia's outdoorsmen and women," said Rep. Carter. "Representing over 100 miles of pristine coastline, I grew up understanding that Georgia's anglers are the experts best equipped to set conservation and fishing policies that protect fish stocks and our way of life, not Washington bureaucrats. I applaud President Trump and his use of common-sense governing, protecting anglers' right to reasonably harvest and properly manage our resources."

"Friday's announcement is a significant and long-overdue victory for Florida's anglers," said Rep. John H. Rutherford (R-FL). "For too long, overly restrictive federal management and flawed data has limited access to a healthy and abundant fishery. This expanded recreational red snapper season reflects a data-driven approach that recognizes both the strength of the red snapper population and its importance to Florida's economy and our way of life. As a co-chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I look forward to continuing to work with Governor DeSantis and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to fight for recreational anglers in Northeast Florida and Make Fishing Great Again."

"As a co-chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I applaud the decision by President Trump and his administration to approve all South Atlantic state permits for the 2026 Red Snapper season. This marks a major step forward for North Carolina's fishermen and coastal businesses," said Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC). "For years, rigid federal rules have meant one- or two-day red snapper seasons in the South Atlantic even as they are plentiful in our waters. That makes no sense for our coastal economy or for conservation. Following the decision, we can use up-to-date, local data to protect the red snapper population while allowing anglers in the South Atlantic more predictable and responsible fishing opportunities."

"This announcement marks a huge, long-overdue win for South Carolina's fishermen and coastal communities," said Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC). "I appreciate President Trump for putting commonsense back into red snapper management after years of federal mismanagement that sidelined our fishermen and hurt our coast. As Co-Chair of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Task Force, I've been fighting for state-led management, better data, more access, and longer seasons, and now we're finally seeing results. This is a major step forward for every coastal community in South Carolina."

"This is an exciting time for Georgia anglers and a major step forward. For years, access to red snapper has been extremely limited. This EFP gives anglers a real opportunity-two full months, to enjoy red snapper fishing. However, this opportunity comes with a responsibility, if anglers want longer, more reliable seasons, we need better data-and that comes directly from them. Reporting through an electronic app is how anglers can help shape the future of red snapper fishing. While we acknowledge the anticipation, the rollout of the Georgia Red Snapper Project will come in phases. Look for a detailed website to go live May 15th. Georgia DNR encourages all offshore anglers planning to harvest Red Snapper in 2026 to stay tuned," said Doug Haymans, Director of GADNR's Coastal Resources Division.

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