October 13, 2020 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
KEY MESSAGE:
NOAA Fisheries announces the final rule for Regulatory Amendment 33 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Regulatory Amendment 33). This final rule allows the South Atlantic red snapper fishing season to be less than four days.
WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:
Regulations will be effective November 13, 2020.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES FOR RED SNAPPER:
The final rule removes the minimum season length requirement, and red snapper harvest could be open for either commercial or recreational harvest for three days or less. The removal of this requirement improves access to the red snapper resource.