Trump expands red snapper fishing as critics warn of overfishing
President Donald Trump has approved state permits for the 2026 recreational red snapper fishing season, expanding access for anglers in southeastern U.S. states. The move shifts more management authority to states, aligning with a similar approach previously adopted in the Gulf of Mexico. Critics, including marine scientists and conservation groups, warn that longer seasons and reduced federal oversight could lead to overfishing and long-term damage to red snapper populations.
- ▪President Trump approved state permits for the 2026 recreational red snapper season in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
- ▪The policy shift gives states greater control over fishing seasons, following a model already used in the Gulf of Mexico.
- ▪Conservation groups warn that extended fishing seasons could lead to overfishing, citing concerns about declining fish size and increased travel to catch keeper fish.
- ▪NOAA previously determined a two-day season was needed to prevent overfishing, but the new policy allows for months-long seasons.
- ▪The red snapper spawning stock was at 11 percent of historical levels in the early 2000s, prompting long-term rebuilding efforts through 2044.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
News|Donald TrumpTrump expands red snapper fishing as critics warn of overfishingAnglers in Florida, Georgia, and South and North Carolina gain more fishing control with Trump’s red snapper permit approval.ListenListen (5 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoRed snappers lay on ice for sale at JMS Seafood, a fish wholesaler in the New Fulton Fish Market in the Bronx section of New York City [Reuters]By Elizabeth MelimopoulosPublished On 1 May 20261 May 2026US President Donald Trump has said that all state permits for the 2026 recreational red snapper fishing season have been approved, a move he says will expand access for anglers across southeastern coastal states.In a post shared on Truth Social on…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Al Jazeera English.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Al Jazeera English
