Applications for FWC’s Atlantic Red Snapper Exempted Fishing Permits Project open on Oct. 31
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will begin accepting applications for Quarter 2 of the Atlantic Red Snapper Exempted Fishing Permits (EFP) Project on Oct. 31. The application period will remain open for 10 days and will close Nov. 10. These projects are a continuation of the research EFPs started in 2024 to collect better data on catch and discard rates and are separate from the state management EFPs that FWC will be working on to test state management in 2026 and 2027.
For the second year in a row, the FWC has been awarded three Exempted Fishing Permits by NOAA Fisheries to conduct three unique research projects. EFPs are permits that allow harvesting for specific purposes that are otherwise prohibited under current federal regulations. The FWC recognizes that the short federal Atlantic red snapper season is disappointing; however, in these studies, selected participants will be able to catch (and keep) red snapper during a time that works for you!
How to Apply
Applications for Quarter 2 for Year 2 are now open from Oct. 31- Nov. 10.
FWC Hot Spot Fleet and FWC Southeast Florida Snapper Grouper Fleet Projects: Applicants must apply at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and participants will be selected via a lottery. Watch a video tutorial on how to apply.
FWC Study Fleet: Applicants must complete the Study Fleet online application form and all applications will be reviewed under Study Fleet criteria prior to selection.
Atlantic Exempted Fishing Permits Project Overview
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 being conducted from the Florida/Georgia line south to the NASA vehicle assembly building in Cape Canaveral. The third study, the FWC Southeast Florida Snapper Grouper Fleet, is being conducted from the NASA vehicle assembly building south to the Dry Tortugas. Each study is somewhat different, but all focus on testing an aggregate snapper-grouper bag limit to reduce discards, improve the reporting of catch and discard information via an FWC app, and evaluate angler satisfaction of EFP participants relative to those who have to abide by current federal regulations.
The FWC is incredibly excited to continue offering this unique opportunity to Florida’s saltwater anglers for a second year. Data from Year 1 of the EFP project is already being incorporated into the upcoming Atlantic red snapper stock assessment, and a second year of this collaboration has the potential to make a significant difference and improve fisheries management in the south Atlantic, giving us all hope for a better future fishery. Florida’s recreational saltwater anglers and for-hire operators are strongly encouraged to apply to participate. More information can be found at MyFWC.com/AtlanticEFP.
Questions? Contact the FWC’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management at 850-487-0554.
