# NOAA Announces South Atlantic Red Snapper Season

NOAA Fisheries has announced the 2026 federal recreational red snapper fishing season in the South Atlantic, scheduled for October 9-11, 2026. Additionally, NOAA has issued Exempted Fishing Permits (EFPs) to the states of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, authorizing extended recreational fishing seasons from October 9-22, 2026. These EFPs facilitate pilot projects to test new data collection and fisheries management strategies aimed at supporting sustainable fisheries and informing future regulatory decisions.

- The involvement of state natural resource departments alongside NOAA highlights a collaborative federal-state approach to fisheries management.
- Procurement professionals should note opportunities related to data collection technologies, fisheries monitoring, and management services supporting these pilot projects.
- Contractors specializing in environmental data analytics, marine resource management, and sustainable fisheries technologies may find emerging opportunities linked to these EFP initiatives.
- The defined season dates and permit scope provide clear timelines for planning and resource allocation in support of these fisheries programs.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Environment
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- NOAA Fisheries
- South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC)
- Florida Department of Natural Resources
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources

### Key Quotes
> These pilot projects provide a great opportunity to strengthen our data and inform future management approaches.
> — Eugenio Piñeiro Soler, Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries

> NOAA is dedicated to working with our state partners, fishermen, and fishery managers to advance sustainable fisheries and strengthen the science that supports them.
> — Neil Jacobs, Ph.D, NOAA Administrator

### Sources
- [NOAA announces 2026 federal recreational red snapper season, exempted fishing permits in South Atlantic | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration](https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-2026-federal-recreational-red-snapper-season-exempted-South-Atlantic-fishing-permits) - NOAA
- [NOAA Announces 2026 Federal Recreational Red Snapper Season, Exempted Fishing Permits in South Atlantic | NOAA Fisheries](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/media-release/noaa-announces-2026-federal-recreational-red-snapper-season-exempted-fishing-permits) - NOAA