Legis Daily

South Atlantic Red Snapper Fair Access Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-9933| House 
| Updated: 7/23/2026
Austin Scott

Austin Scott

Republican Representative

Georgia

Natural Resources Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Congress finds that South Atlantic red snapper is a healthy fishery resource supporting various industries, yet recreational harvest in federal waters has been severely limited to short seasons despite high demand. Conversely, commercial harvest has enjoyed substantially longer seasons, creating an imbalance. State-led pilot programs designed to improve recreational access and data collection were recently halted by a preliminary injunction, further exacerbating the issue for recreational anglers. To address this, the bill makes it unlawful for any person to commercially harvest South Atlantic red snapper from federal waters during a covered period , defined as any time recreational harvest is prohibited. It also bans the commercial sale, purchase, trade, or barter of such snapper harvested during these periods. Violations will be treated as offenses under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and the Secretary of Commerce is mandated to issue implementing regulations within 90 days to ensure fair access and shared conservation responsibilities across fishing sectors.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jul 23, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 23, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
  • July 23, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 23, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Public Lands and Natural Resources

South Atlantic Red Snapper Fair Access Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-9933| House 
| Updated: 7/23/2026
Congress finds that South Atlantic red snapper is a healthy fishery resource supporting various industries, yet recreational harvest in federal waters has been severely limited to short seasons despite high demand. Conversely, commercial harvest has enjoyed substantially longer seasons, creating an imbalance. State-led pilot programs designed to improve recreational access and data collection were recently halted by a preliminary injunction, further exacerbating the issue for recreational anglers. To address this, the bill makes it unlawful for any person to commercially harvest South Atlantic red snapper from federal waters during a covered period , defined as any time recreational harvest is prohibited. It also bans the commercial sale, purchase, trade, or barter of such snapper harvested during these periods. Violations will be treated as offenses under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and the Secretary of Commerce is mandated to issue implementing regulations within 90 days to ensure fair access and shared conservation responsibilities across fishing sectors.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jul 23, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 23, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
  • July 23, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 23, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Austin Scott

Austin Scott

Republican Representative

Georgia

Natural Resources Committee

Public Lands and Natural Resources

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted