Red Snapper Act of 2025
Red Snapper Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Red Snapper Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Red Snapper Act would prevent the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from restricting fishing in the South Atlantic region until new research data is collected and reviewed. Specifically, it would pause any new fishing area closures or restrictions on bottom fishing for red snapper, grouper, and porgy until a study called the "South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count" is completed and its findings are incorporated into the official fish population assessment process. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects recreational and commercial fishermen in the South Atlantic region (off the U.S. Atlantic Coast), as well as NOAA officials who manage fish populations.
Fishing restrictions are typically put in place to prevent overfishing and ensure fish populations remain healthy, so the bill could impact both fishing industries and long-term marine conservation efforts. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (S. 111, introduced in the 119th Congress) and was sponsored by Senator Rick Scott (R-FL). It has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Red Snapper Act of 2025This bill prohibits the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from restricting certain fishing activities in the South Atlantic until data from the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count study is integrated into the next South Atlantic red snapper Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) stock assessment. The bill provides that NOAA may not issue an interim rule, final rule, or Secretarial Amendment establishing an area closure or a bottom fishing closure for specified species until (1) the study is complete; and (2) the study data is integrated into the first South Atlantic red snapper SEDAR stock assessment that is carried out after the bill's enactment. The limitation applies to fishing for species managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, including red snapper, grouper, and porgy.(Closures generally restrict recreational and commercial fishing to prevent overfishing and for other conservation purposes.)
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.