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NOAA Fisheries is accepting public comments on a proposal from the S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources that could affect recreational red snapper fishing off South Carolina.
The public comment period is open through Aug. 25, 2026.
Whether you work directly in the fishing industry or simply have an interest in the issue, this is an opportunity to learn more about the proposal and share your perspective with federal fisheries managers.
What is being proposed?
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has applied to NOAA Fisheries for an Exempted Fishing Permit, or EFP, to test a new approach to collecting recreational red snapper data.
The proposed research project would allow permitted recreational anglers and eligible for-hire operators to harvest red snapper in federal waters off South Carolina while participating in a mandatory electronic reporting program. SCDNR says the goal is to collect more timely information on fishing effort, harvest and discards and compare that information with NOAA’s existing survey-based estimates.
Under the application:
- The EFP would run from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026.
- Red snapper harvest would be allowed during October.
- No red snapper harvest would be allowed during November.
- A December harvest period could be opened if the expected October harvest level has not been reached and SCDNR determines additional harvest is appropriate in coordination with NOAA Fisheries.
- SCDNR estimates a harvest of 19,253 red snapper during the proposed 31-day October period.
- Participating anglers would be limited to one red snapper per person per day, with a minimum total length of 20 inches.
- Participating private anglers and eligible for-hire operators would be required to obtain the appropriate state license and experimental permit.
- Participants would be subject to mandatory electronic trip-and-catch reporting requirements.
SCDNR describes the project as a first step toward evaluating whether a state-based, mandatory reporting system could provide more complete and timely information for future red snapper management.
Why could this matter to the Grand Strand?
The conversation extends beyond fishing boats and docks.
Recreational fishing is connected to many parts of a coastal economy, including charter and headboat operations, marinas, hotels and vacation rentals, restaurants, fuel providers, retailers and other businesses that serve residents and visitors.
That means you do not need to work directly in the fishing industry to have a perspective on the proposal.
Businesses, residents, visitors, anglers and other interested members of the public can submit comments. If this issue affects your business, your customers or your experience in the Grand Strand, the public comment period provides an opportunity to tell NOAA Fisheries why.
Additional background
This is a revised proposal. Earlier in 2026, NOAA Fisheries issued red snapper EFPs to South Carolina and several other South Atlantic states. Those permits would have provided expanded recreational fishing opportunities during 2026.
A federal court issued a preliminary injunction in May that halted those permits. SCDNR subsequently asked NOAA Fisheries to cancel its permit and indicated that it planned to pursue a revised proposal.
SCDNR submitted the new application in July. NOAA Fisheries is now reviewing revised applications from South Carolina, Georgia and Florida and seeking public input before making a final decision.
How to submit public comment
Comments must be received by Aug. 25, 2026 via Regulations.gov. The federal docket number is NOAA-NMFS-2026-2245.
Comments should explain how the proposal could affect you, your business, your customers or the Grand Strand. Specific examples can help provide context about why the issue matters to you. Below, we’ve included a sample letter of support for the program to get you started.
Sample letter
August XX, 2026
NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office
RE: Support for South Carolina Red Snapper Exempted Fishing Permit, Docket No. NOAA-NMFS-2026-2245
To Whom It May Concern:
On behalf of [BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION NAME], I am writing in support of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ application for an Exempted Fishing Permit for the recreational harvest of South Atlantic red snapper.
Recreational fishing is an important part of the Grand Strand economy. Offshore fishing opportunities support charter and headboat operators while also generating business for hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, marinas, fuel providers, retailers and many other businesses serving residents and visitors.
[OPTIONAL: Add one to two sentences describing how recreational fishing or tourism directly affects your business.]We support SCDNR’s proposal because it combines reasonable recreational access with responsible management and improved data collection. The EFP would allow South Carolina to gather better information on fishing effort, harvest and discards while maintaining mandatory reporting requirements and defined harvest controls.
Better South Carolina-specific data can support better long-term management decisions and provide greater predictability for anglers and coastal businesses. For tourism-dependent communities such as the Grand Strand, that predictability has real economic value.
We respectfully encourage NOAA Fisheries to approve South Carolina’s EFP application and continue working with SCDNR toward a management framework that supports conservation, reliable data collection and responsible recreational access.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[NAME] [TITLE] [BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION] [CITY, SOUTH CAROLINA]Public comments are due Aug. 25, 2026.
Submit your comment through Regulations.gov