Atlantic Red Snapper
Team Up with FWC to Collect Better Data on Atlantic Red Snapper — And Keep Your Catch!
The FWC is conducting three unique research projects that involve recreational anglers to help collect better and more reliable data on red snapper and snapper grouper species in the Atlantic. Specifically, these Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) Projects allow FWC to collaborate with anglers, test innovative ways to reduce snapper grouper discards, increase red snapper harvest opportunities, and improve angler satisfaction. EFPs are permits that allow harvesting for specific purposes that are otherwise prohibited under current federal regulations.
The FWC recognizes that the increasingly short federal recreational Atlantic red snapper season is disappointing. This is one reason the agency is recruiting anglers like yourself to collaborate with our fisheries managers to collect better data on the snapper grouper fishery. As part of the Atlantic EFP Project, some anglers will be able to fish for red snapper and keep them outside of the federal season.
The three studies of this project take place off Florida’s east coast from the Florida/Georgia line south to the Dry Tortugas. Two studies, the FWC Study Fleet and the FWC Hot Spot Fleet, are conducted from the Florida/Georgia line south to Cape Canaveral. The third study, the FWC Southeast Florida Snapper Grouper Fleet, is conducted from Cape Canaveral to south of the Dry Tortugas. Each study is somewhat different, but all focus on testing different management strategies to reduce discards, improving reporting of catch and discard information via an FWC app, improving best fishing practices and fish identification through an FWC education course, and evaluating angler satisfaction of EFP participants relative to those who must abide by federal regulations.
The projects have been underway since August 2024 and are scheduled to end in July 2025. The duration is broken up into four, three-month quarters to allow the most harvest opportunities for anglers along the east coast of Florida.
- Quarter 1: August 2024 to October 2024 – Completed
- Quarter 2: November 2024 to January 2025 – Underway
- Quarter 3: February 2025 to April 2025
- Quarter 4: May 2025 to July 2025
The FWC is incredibly excited to offer this unique opportunity to Florida’s saltwater anglers. This collaboration has the potential to significantly improve fisheries management in the South Atlantic, but we need your help! Florida’s recreational saltwater anglers are strongly encouraged to apply to participate. You can find more information, including how to apply for the next quarter, at MyFWC.com/AtlanticEFP.
How to Apply
The next application period for all projects for Quarter 3 will be January 3–13, 2025, and for Quarter 4 will be April 4–14, 2025.
FWC Hot Spot Fleet and FWC Southeast Florida Snapper Grouper Fleet Projects: Applicants must apply at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Participants will be selected via lottery.
FWC Study Fleet: Applicants must complete the Study Fleet online application form, which will go live on the EFP website (MyFWC.com/AtlanticEFP) during the open application period. All applications will be reviewed according to Study Fleet criteria prior to selection.
We look forward to working with you!
