GEORGIA – A proposed 62‑day recreational red snapper season in federal waters off Georgia that was to begin July 1 has been delayed after a federal judge blocked a set of Exempted Fishing Permits for South Atlantic states, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said.
The injunction, issued by a judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, prevents implementation of the permits while a legal challenge proceeds. The permits affected submissions from Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.
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The permit that would have allowed Georgia’s pilot season was challenged in federal court by the Southeastern Fisheries Association. Environmental groups, including the Environmental Defense Fund and Ocean Conservancy, supported the lawsuit.
Georgia DNR has withdrawn its original request and plans to file a revised EFP application, the agency said.
“While this outcome is certainly disappointing, we remain committed to expanding access to red snapper fishing opportunities for Georgia anglers,” said Walter Rabon, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “We believe state‑led management and improved data collection can provide a better path forward, and we will continue working with our partners to pursue that goal.”
There is not enough time for the legal process to conclude before the proposed July 1 start, so the anticipated summer pilot season will not take place as planned.
Georgia DNR is working with partner states and federal officials to develop a revised application that addresses the court’s concerns. The U.S. Department of Commerce has said it will review any new application as quickly as possible.
Officials hope to submit revised permits in the coming weeks with the goal of establishing a red snapper season later this fall.
The pilot program was designed to improve recreational harvest data through mandatory angler reporting, giving states more accurate information to track catches and advocate for fishing opportunities.
DNR said it will provide additional information as revised permit applications are developed and reviewed.