This bill prohibits commercial fishing for South Atlantic red snapper during periods when recreational fishing for the species is closed in federal waters. The legislation would make it illegal for commercial fishermen to harvest red snapper or buy and sell the fish during recreational closure periods, with violations subject to penalties under federal fishing laws. The bill affects commercial fishing operations and seafood businesses in South Atlantic states including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, while potentially benefiting recreational anglers who have faced extremely short fishing seasons. The Department of Commerce's National Marine Fisheries Service must issue regulations to implement the prohibition within 90 days of the law's enactment. The legislation stems from frustration that commercial fishing seasons have lasted weeks or months while recreational seasons have been limited to one or two days, despite red snapper being described as a healthy fish population.
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