This bill prevents NOAA from restricting fishing for red snapper, grouper, and other species in the South Atlantic until data from the Great Red Snapper Count study is incorporated into the next stock assessment. No area closures or bottom fishing closures may be implemented until the study is complete and integrated.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill prevents NOAA from restricting fishing for red snapper, grouper, and other species in the South Atlantic until data from the Great Red Snapper Count study is incorporated into the next stock assessment. No area closures or bottom fishing closures may be implemented until the study is complete and integrated.
Last updated: 1/6/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Red Snapper Act of 2025</strong></p><p>This 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. </p><p>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.</p><p>(Closures generally restrict recreational and commercial fishing to prevent overfishing and for other conservation purposes.)</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Prevents NOAA fishing restrictions until new study data integrated
Applies to South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery
Bars area closures and bottom fishing closures temporarily
Requires Great Red Snapper Count study completion
Protects recreational and commercial fishing access
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Recreational and commercial fishers in the South Atlantic would be protected from new fishing restrictions until updated population data is available. This ensures management decisions reflect the latest science from the Great Red Snapper Count study.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Related Subjects
Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Atlantic Coast (U.S.)
Atlantic Ocean
Department of Commerce
Fishes
Government studies and investigations
Gulf of Mexico
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
470, 119th Congress (2025). "Red Snapper Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-470
