Red Snapper Act of 2025

This bill aims to prevent the Secretary of Commerce from imposing certain fishing restrictions in the South Atlantic. Specifically, it prohibits the issuance of any interim or final rule or Secretarial Amendment that includes an area or bottom closure for species managed under the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. This measure is intended to safeguard the economic interests of the region's fishing industry, which relies heavily on recreational and commercial fishing. The prohibition on closures is conditional, remaining in effect until two specific criteria are met. First, the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count study must be fully completed. Second, the data collected from this comprehensive study must be integrated into the first South Atlantic red snapper Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) stock assessment conducted after the bill's enactment. This ensures that future management decisions are based on the most current and accurate scientific information regarding red snapper abundance.