Public comment period open for Atlantic red snapper fishing

South Carolina’s Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has opened a public comment period for a revised exempted fishing permit (EFP) tied to Atlantic red snapper. The agency says the Atlantic red snapper season has been in limbo for months, and the proposal would be submitted for NOAA Fisheries approval. Comments are accepted through Aug. 25. If approved, the EFP would create a special October season and require participants to follow registration and reporting guidelines designed to generate data. SCDNR director Dr. Tom Mullikin said the plan aims to address concerns raised after a previous proposal was stalled in federal court.