TALLAHASSEE, Florida — In the ruby red state of Florida, another crimson symbol often swims through Gov. Ron DeSantis’ remarks: red snapper.
The scarlet bottom-feeder is a prize among anglers, a coveted dish for residents and a goal for tourists hoping to experience a day of Sunshine State recreation. It’s also become part of the state’s cultural heritage, one DeSantis frequently revisits during press conferences around Florida.
But the yearslong battle over how to manage red snapper fisheries is spreading across the state, and has left some commercial fishers and environmental groups worried for the future of the beloved fish.
Florida has applied to take temporary control of the recreational red snapper fishery along the state’s Atlantic Coast through an exempted fishing permit, or EFP. If approved, the state would clinch another victory in its push to expand control of red snapper fisheries and expand access for recreational anglers.
