GEORGIA, Ga. (WALB) — A federal Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) that would have created a 62-day recreational fishing window for Red Snapper was stopped by a Federal Judge in June.

The Southern Fisheries Association and the Environmental Defense Fund challenged the EFP in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

A Federal Judge granted an injunction that prevents the Red Snapper Exempted Fishing Permit from taking effect, while the case proceeds through the court system.

“While this outcome is certainly disappointing, we remain committed to expanding access to red snapper fishing opportunities for Georgia anglers. We believe state-led management and improved data collection can provide a better path forward, and we will continue working with our partners to pursue that goal.”

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is working with other states to develop a revised EFP. DNR officials hope the revised Red Snapper EFP will be ready by this fall.

Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) is a permit that would allow individuals or organizations to fish for a specified fish that may normally be protected by state and federal regulations.

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