H.R. 9933 — South Atlantic Red Snapper Fair Access Act of 2026

This section states findings that South Atlantic red snapper supports recreational anglers, for-hire operators, and coastal businesses; that recreational seasons in Federal waters have been limited to one- or two-day openings despite historic abundance while commercial seasons have lasted weeks or months; that state-led exempted fishing permit pilot programs for the 2026 season developed by Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina with National Marine Fisheries Service approval were halted by court injunction; and that conservation burdens should be shared fairly across sectors.

This section prohibits the commercial harvest of South Atlantic red snapper from Federal waters, and the sale, purchase, trade, or barter of such fish, during any period when recreational harvest is closed. It subjects violations to civil and criminal penalties under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and requires the Secretary of Commerce to issue implementing regulations within 90 days.