Red Snapper Regulations Explained: What NOAA’s Andy Strelcheck Wants Anglers to Know in 2025
Every summer, Gulf anglers ask the same question: “Why is red snapper season so short?” According to NOAA’s Andy Strelcheck, it comes down to math, policy, and sustainability.
“It’s not about keeping people off the water. It’s about how much the stock can handle—and how to fairly allocate that,” says Strelcheck.
In this deep dive, we cover:
How total allowable catch (TAC) is calculated
Why recreational and commercial shares differ
The role of state vs. federal management
The pressure from public perception vs. scientific assessment
How Seasons Are Set:
NOAA sets a yearly quota based on stock assessments
That quota is divided among commercial, charter, and private sectors
States may have delegated authority (e.g., Florida’s FWC sets separate days)
“When one group exceeds its quota, that affects everyone.”
What’s New in 2025:
Continued refinement of state management programs
Better data from angler reporting apps
More real-time catch monitoring via EM (electronic monitoring)
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