Senator Moody Leads South Atlantic Congressional Delegation in Urging the Department of Commerce to Approve New Fishing Permits for Red Snapper

Home How Can I Help? News Contact Us Share Your Opinion Federal Nominations Scheduling Request Storm Preparation About Search for: Home How Can I Help? News Contact Us Share Your Opinion Federal Nominations Scheduling Request Storm Preparation About All News Senator Moody Leads South Atlantic Congressional Delegation in Urging the Department of Commerce to Approve New Fishing Permits for Red Snapper Sep 14, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C.— Senator Ashley Moody, along with Representative John Rutherford, is leading the South Atlantic congressional delegation in support of new Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications. Following a DC Court halting the prior EFPs on the eve of the state’s approved May season, Florida has worked collaboratively with NOAA to develop even stronger EFP applications. These new permits will represent an important opportunity to improve recreational access, strengthen conservation through best available science, and support the coastal economies that depend on this fishery. “South Atlantic anglers deserve more than a two-day red snapper season. We have already seen the success of state-led management in the Gulf, where Florida’s red snapper season grew to 126 days in 2025 while maintaining healthy fish stocks. That’s why I am leading an effort to ensure we can manage our own red snapper season and continue strengthening our recreational fishing opportunities,” said Senator Ashley Moody . BACKGROUND Joining Senator Moody and Rep. Rutherford are Senator Rick Scott and Reps. David Rouzer, Aaron Bean, Earl ‘Buddy’ Carter, Russell Fry, Randy Fine, Darren Soto, Austin Scott, Ralph Norman, Byron Donalds, Rick W. Allen, Mike Haridopolos, Daniel Webster, María Elvira Salazar, Gus Bilirakis, and Scott Franklin. The Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications were submitted by Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to improve state data collection efforts and advance state-led management of the recreational red snapper fishery in federal waters in the South Atlantic. During President Trump’s first term, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) approved the state management EFP’s for red snapper in the Gulf of America. As a result, there has been improved data collection, strengthened accountability, and substantially longer recreational fishing seasons while maintaining healthy fish stocks. In 2025, Florida’s Gulf red snapper season lasted 126 days, a dramatic improvement from the three-day federal season anglers experienced before state management began. Read the entire letter here . In March , Senator Moody led the effort that resulted in the approval of a 39-day Atlantic snapper fishing season. # # # Join the Newsletter Email Address First Name Last Name Follow Follow Follow Follow Copyright 2024 Follow Follow Follow Follow Usage Policy PDF Help Privacy Policy Senate.gov