South Atlantic Red Snapper Commercial Season Closes for 2026
Published Date: 8/21/2026
Rule
Summary
NMFS implements an accountability measure for red snapper in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. NMFS projects that commercial landings of red snapper will reach the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) for the 2026 fishing year. Therefore, NMFS is closing the commercial sector for red snapper in the South Atlantic EEZ. This closure is necessary to protect the red snapper resource.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Commercial Red Snapper Closed Aug 24–Dec 31, 2026
NMFS is closing the commercial sector for red snapper in the South Atlantic exclusive economic zone from August 24, 2026, through December 31, 2026, because commercial landings are projected to reach the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) of 102,951 pounds (round weight). This means commercial fishers cannot harvest commercial red snapper in that area during those dates.
Sale and Purchase of Red Snapper Prohibited During Closure
During the commercial closure (August 24, 2026–December 31, 2026), all sale or purchase of red snapper is prohibited in the South Atlantic for vessels issued a Federal commercial or charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper. This prohibition applies even if the fish were harvested or possessed in State waters.
Vessels Must Land and Sell Catch by August 24, 2026
If a vessel with a valid commercial South Atlantic snapper-grouper permit has red snapper on board, the operator must have landed and bartered, traded, or sold that red snapper before August 24, 2026. After that date, keeping or selling that catch commercially is not allowed.
2027 Commercial Season Likely Starts Second Monday in July
Unless NMFS specifies otherwise, the commercial season for South Atlantic red snapper in the 2027 fishing year will begin on the second Monday in July (per 50 CFR 622.183(b)(5)(i)). Fishers should plan schedules and operations with that typical start timing in mind.
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