Saving Seafood

SAFMC Feature: A Successful Offshore Fishing Trip Begins Before You Hit the Water

July 6, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The summer fishing season is in mid-swing. Perhaps you’re planning to head offshore this weekend to target Red Snapper during this year’s July 9-11 mini season. Whether you’re bottom fishing or trolling for Dolphin (mahi), Wahoo or maybe a mackerel or two, as a responsible angler, planning your offshore fishing trip includes knowing the rules and regulations and incorporating best fishing practices.

Know the Rules
Keep up with the latest regulations by downloading the free Fish Rules mobile app. The app provides reliable state and federal saltwater recreational regulations from Maine to Texas based on your location. Going out of cell phone range? Check for updates before you leave the dock and manually select your location offshore to see relevant regulations.

Targeting reef fish? Make sure you have a descending device on board and ready for use. There are also specific hook requirements. Regulations specific to fishing for species in the snapper grouper management complex, including Red Snapper, went into effect in July 2020 for federal waters and are intended to encourage best fishing practices. Dehookers are also required on board.

Best Practices – Plan Ahead
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Best Fishing Practices webpage provides anglers with important information to consider for each fishing trip, including an online tutorial to test your knowledge. The tips below are also outlined in detail.

Odds are you’ve marked a few spots on your GPS as you get ready for your next offshore trip. Remember to make a plan to move on once bag limits are met. Odds are also good that you’ll need to release fish due to size or trip limits. Plan ahead and have the appropriate gear on board to safely release those fish. Have rubberized gloves and nets handy to avoid removing slime. If targeting snapper grouper species, remember that a descending device is required on board along with the use of specific hooks and a dehooker.

Know how to properly handle the fish. Once on the water, have your camera or cell phone ready and minimize the time the fish is on deck. Avoid dropping the fish on deck and release the fish without removing it from the water if possible.

Best Practices for Deep Water Release – avoid “floaters”
No one wants to release a fish only to watch it float away. Fish caught in deeper water may suffer from barotrauma, the expansion of gases after rapidly being reeled up from depth. Barotrauma often makes it difficult for a fish to swim back down. Learn to recognize signs of barotrauma and assess the condition of the fish while you are reeling it in. If the fish appears sluggish, eyes are bulging, the stomach is protruding from its mouth or the mid-section appears bloated, it could be suffering from barotrauma.

Recompression by getting the fish back down to the depth it was caught as quickly as possible is key to ensuring the fish survives. It may be tempting, but do not puncture the stomach if it is protruding from the fish’s mouth. Instead, use your descending device as an easy and efficient way to return the fish to depth and release it. As a reminder, if the fish doesn’t show signs of barotrauma, the use if a descending device isn’t necessary.

Information about various types of descending devices and video instructions on how to rig them are available from the Council’s Best Fishing Practices webpage by clicking on the “Descending Device” tab. There’s even a video on how to make your own device using gear you might already have in your tackle box.

Get Involved – cooperate with Red Snapper sampling
The 2021 recreational season for Red Snapper in the South Atlantic opens this Friday, July 9th and closes on Sunday, July 11th. The daily bag limit is one fish per person with no minimum size limit. See the NOAA Fisheries Fishery Bulletin for details.

Each year, state marine resource agencies work to collect data from fishermen targeting Red Snapper. Cooperating with agency staff when you get back to the dock or the boat ramp will provide useful information. Allow samplers to collect biological samples. Assist by donating carcasses at drop off points. Data collected during the season from fishermen like you contribute to a better understanding of the Red Snapper stock and its continuing recovery.

South Atlantic Red Snapper Sampling 2021

Council Approves Management Measures for Dolphin and Wahoo in Federal Waters along the Atlantic Coast

June 22, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved proposed management measures affecting fisheries for Dolphin and Wahoo in federal waters along the Atlantic coast during its meeting last week. Measures include modifying the recreational vessel trip limit for Dolphin from 60 fish to 54 fish per vessel per trip while maintaining the 10 fish per person daily bag limit. The measures are being proposed through Amendment 10 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan for the Atlantic. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, the new measures could be implemented in 2022.

The proposed reduction in the daily trip limit was reached after much discussion by the Council in an effort to address concerns expressed by fishermen, primarily from South Florida and the Florida Keys, about declines in the size and number of Dolphin landed in recent years. In contrast, many fishermen involved in the for-hire fishery off the coast of North Carolina opposed reductions to the current 60 fish vessel limit, citing negative economic impacts to the charter industry and noting limited changes to the numbers and sizes of Dolphin fish observed in their area over the past few years. A reduction of 48 Dolphin per vessel had been considered earlier as a preferred measure. Options to apply reductions in specific areas were also considered but ruled out. For example, an option to reduce recreational vessel limits for Dolphin for the east coast of Florida resulted in nominal reductions in harvest (<1%) given that more than 90% of trips harvested less than 10 fish per vessel per trip.

Council Chair Mel Bell noted the difficulty in managing the Dolphin fishery along the Atlantic coast. “Dolphin is a highly migratory species by nature that is harvested internationally. We don’t have a stock assessment for Dolphin or Wahoo. We’re missing the actual data. We’ve heard so many differences between what is being observed between Florida and North Carolina, private anglers and for-hire,” said Bell. “This attempt to compromise is difficult.” He noted the Council will continue to monitor the fishery and can take further action in the future.

Amendment 10 includes actions to update Annual Catch Limits (ACL) for both Dolphin and Wahoo largely based on updated recreational landings and modify allocations between recreational and commercial sectors. The recreational sector allocation for Dolphin would increase from 96.07% to 97.55% of the total ACL.

The amendment would also revise recreational accountability measures to allow for temporary reductions in bag limits, vessel limits, and the season should the sector ACL be projected to be met for Dolphin and temporarily reduce the bag limit, length of the season, or implement a vessel limit for Wahoo to prevent the sector ACL from being exceeded (post season). In addition, the amendment would remove the requirement for an Operator Card for for-hire and commercial federal Dolphin Wahoo permit holders and allow possession of limited quantities of Dolphin or Wahoo onboard commercial vessels with trap, pot or buoy gear on board.

The Council removed a proposed measure to reduce the recreational bag limit for Wahoo after considering recommendations from its advisory panels, public comment and updated data analyses. The current limit is 2 Wahoo per person per day. Council members had considered the reduction to address concerns that the recreational ACL could be met and result in a closure of the fishery, including the for-hire sector, in late fall. The Council agreed to address additional management measures for Dolphin and Wahoo in its future work plan.

Other Business
During the meeting week the Council received stock assessment presentations and fishery overviews for Gag grouper, golden Tilefish and Red Snapper. The stock assessment for Gag found the stock is overfished and undergoing overfishing. The Council has begun developing an amendment to incorporate fishing level recommendations from its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) and address management needs. Fishing level recommendations will also be incorporated into an amendment to update fishing levels for Tilefish. The stock is not considered overfished or undergoing overfishing, but the SSC cautioned about the high level of uncertainty in the assessment.

The Council discussed the results of a recent stock assessment for Red Snapper. The assessment shows that abundance of Red Snapper is at an all-time high, reflecting what fishermen are seeing on the water. The stock remains listed as overfished and undergoing overfishing. Overfishing is primarily due to the high number of Red Snapper that are released by fishermen year-round and don’t survive. Council members recognize that these issues are an effect of regulations and the high number of interactions expected when a stock is abundant and the species is aggressive and desirable.

The stock remains overfished, as expected, because the population is early in its recovery period and it will take time to rebuild the age structure. For example, the abundance of fish age 3 and older has recovered to a greater extent than the abundance of fish age 10 and older. Red Snapper can live to be over 50 years old. The good news is that stock rebuilding is on track and consistent with the Council’s rebuilding plan. Recovering the entire stock, not just the youngest ages, is important to ensuring stable fisheries over the long term.

The Council’s SSC will meet later this summer to provide fishing level recommendations for Red Snapper after reviewing alternative recruitment scenarios and considering the use of descending devices and other best practices in the fishery. The Council will develop an amendment to address the SSC recommendations and agreed to work to address short-term and long-term measures to help meet Red Snapper management challenges.

Additional information, including the stock assessment and a video presentation outlining the issues affecting the recovery of the Red Snapper stock is available from the Meeting Story Map.

Council members also reviewed public comment on a proposed Rock Shrimp Fishery Access area within the Oculina Bank Coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern, an area off the east coast of Florida where deepwater Oculina coral is found. Council members heard concerns about the impacts of trawling near the coral areas and also acknowledged the historic trawling grounds and the work and cooperation from its Deepwater Shrimp Advisory Panel members in establishing the original protected area. The Council is scheduled to address Coral Amendment 10 again during its September meeting.

The next meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is scheduled for September 13-17, 2021, in Charleston, SC. Information from this week’s meeting, including Committee Reports and the June 2021 Meeting Story Map is available from the Council’s website.

Briefing Book Materials Now Available for SAFMC Meeting June 14-18 , 2021

June 1, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Meeting materials for the June 14-18, 2021 meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council are now available from the Council’s website. The meeting will be held via webinar.

The briefing book materials include agendas and overviews for each committee meeting throughout the week along with meetings of the Full Council. Presentations and supporting documents are also included.

Council members will discuss federal management measures affecting:

  • Dolphin and Wahoo (along the entire Atlantic coast)
  • King Mackerel
  • Red Porgy
  • Stock assessments for Red Snapper, Gag, Tilefish and Yellowtail Snapper

The meeting agenda also includes continued review of a proposed Shrimp Fishery Access Area in the Oculina Coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern off the east coast of Florida (Coral Amendment 10) and other management issues.

The meeting webinar begins Monday, June 14, 2021 with a meeting of the Full Council in open session at 1:30 p.m. Meetings of the Council’s committees will continue through the week, concluding with a meeting of the Full Council on Friday, June 18th.

Public Comment Session – Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
The Council will accept public comment on agenda items during this time. The Council is scheduled to approve Amendment 10 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan for Secretarial review during the meeting week. Snapper Grouper Amendment 10 (Red Porgy) and Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 34 (Atlantic King Mackerel) are scheduled to be approved for public hearings. If approved, the hearings will be held later this summer.

Unless otherwise indicated, the meeting is open to the public via webinar. Registration is required. Register now and receive reminders as the meeting date approaches.

Meeting materials, the online public comment form and additional meeting information are all now available at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/council-meetings/.

SAFMC Meeting Scheduled via Webinar for June 14-18 , 2021

May 24, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Register now to attend the next meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council scheduled for June 14-18, 2021 via webinar. During the week-long meeting Council members will discuss federal management measures affecting:

  • Dolphin and Wahoo (along the entire Atlantic coast)
  • King Mackerel
  • Red Porgy
  • Stock assessments for Red Snapper, Gag, Tilefish and Yellowtail Snapper

The meeting agenda also includes continued review of a proposed Shrimp Fishery Access Area in the Oculina Coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern off the east coast of Florida (Coral Amendment 10) and other management issues.

The meeting begins Monday, June 14, 2021 with a meeting of the Full Council in open session starting at 1:30 p.m. Meetings of the Council’s committees will continue through the week, concluding with a meeting of the Full Council on Friday, June 18th.

Public Comment Session – Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
The Council will accept public comment on agenda items during this time. The Council is scheduled to approve Amendment 10 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan for Secretarial review during the meeting week. Snapper Grouper Amendment 10 (Red Porgy) and Coastal Migratory Pelagics Amendment 34 (Atlantic King Mackerel) are scheduled to be approved for public hearings. If approved, the hearings will be held later this summer.

Unless otherwise indicated, the meeting is open to the public via webinar. Registration is required. Register now and receive reminders as the meeting date approaches.

Meeting materials and the public comment form will be posted to the Council’s website two weeks prior to the meeting at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/council-meetings/.

NOAA Fisheries Announces Addition of Bullet Mackerel and Frigate Mackerel to the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery Management Plan of the Atlantic as Ecosystem Component Species

May 10, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Key Message:

NOAA Fisheries announces the final rule for Amendment 12 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic (Dolphin Wahoo Amendment 12). The final rule adds bullet mackerel and frigate mackerel to the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery Management Plan and designates them as ecosystem component species. Ecosystem component species are those that do not require conservation and management, but are deemed important to include in a fishery management plan to achieve ecosystem management objectives. Bullet mackerel and frigate mackerel are documented as important prey species particularly for wahoo, dolphin (to a lesser extent), blue marlin, and yellowfin tuna in the Atlantic Region.

When Rule Will Take Effect:

Regulations become effective June 9, 2021.

Summary of Changes:

  • The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council wants to consider ecosystem management approaches to fisheries management and advance ecosystem management objectives in the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan.
  • Dolphin Wahoo Amendment 12 and the final rule could result in potential indirect benefits such as increased awareness among the fishing constituents, fishing communities, and fishery management agencies.
  • If landings for bullet mackerel and frigate mackerel were to greatly increase in the future to unsustainable levels, fisheries managers could be made aware of the changing stock status before the stocks are depleted which may have subsequent beneficial effects on populations of several economically important predatory fish species, including dolphin, wahoo, blue marlin, and yellowfin tuna.

Read the full release here

Reminder: SAFMC March 1-5, 2021 Meeting via Webinar

February 23, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Join members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council as they convene their quarterly meeting next week, March 1-5, 2021. The meeting will be held via webinar and is available to the public as it occurs. A single webinar registration will allow access to each day of the meeting. Register now to receive email reminders as the meeting date approaches. Additional materials and meeting details are available from the Council’s website.

Agenda Highlights

  • Amendment 10 to the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery Management Plan
    • The Dolphin Wahoo Committee will review recent public comments and continue to work on the amendment with actions to modify catch levels and sector allocations for both Dolphin and Wahoo, reduce recreational vessel limits for Dolphin and Wahoo, reduce bag limits for Wahoo and other measures affecting the fishery along the Atlantic coast.
  • Shrimp Fishery Access Area in the Oculina Habitat Area of Particular Concern (Coral Amendment 10) – a public hearing on proposed measures will be held during the public comment session (see below)
  • Snapper Grouper Committee will address:
    • Red Porgy – (Snapper Grouper Amendment 50) – management measures to end overfishing and rebuild the stock
    • Greater Amberjack – (Snapper Grouper Amendment 49) – options to adjust catch levels and sector allocations
    • Wreckfish Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) Program – proposed changes to modernize the existing program. Public scoping will be held during the public comment session (see below)
  • King Mackerel – options to adjust catch levels and sector allocations. Public scoping will be held during the public comment session (see below).

The meeting begins Monday afternoon, March 1, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. with a meeting of the Full Council. Meetings of the Council’s committees will continue through the week, concluding with a meeting of the Full Council on Friday, March 5th.

Public Comment Session – Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.

The Council will accept public comment on agenda items during this time. In addition, public hearing comments specific to Coral Amendment 10 (Shrimp Fishery Access Areas) and scoping comments for the Wreckfish ITQ Program and proposed management options for King Mackerel will also be solicited. A separate registration is required to provide public comment.

All meeting materials, the online comment form, and webinar registration information is available by selecting the appropriate tab from the March 2021 Council meeting page at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/council-meetings/.

SAMFC: See How Recent Public Comments on Proposed Dolphin and Wahoo Measures Provide Insight to Managers

February 18, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Managing two popular offshore fish species along the entire Atlantic coast can be a challenge under the best of circumstances. Add an international component, lack of stock assessments, and the cascading effects of new catch level recommendations mixed with differing perceptions on the condition of the fisheries, and the challenge increases. Such is the case for Dolphin and Wahoo. Both are managed in federal waters by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council from Maine to Key West, in collaboration with the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and New England Fishery Management Council. The two highly migratory species are often targeted in the U.S. by recreational fishermen and are prized by charter captains and private anglers alike for their colorful display as a fighting fish and for their delicious flavor.

In April 2020, the South Atlantic Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee provided new Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) recommendations for both Dolphin and Wahoo. The updates were primarily prompted by revisions to recreational data collected through the Marine Recreational Information Program or MRIP, a partnership between state marine resource agencies and NOAA Fisheries. Changes to the program’s effort survey have resulted in revised recreational landings estimates that are being incorporated into catch level recommendations, not only for Dolphin and Wahoo, but several other species managed by the Council.

Because the two fisheries are primarily recreational, with 90% of the annual catch limit for Dolphin and 96.07% for Wahoo currently allocated to the recreational sector, the recreational landings estimates from MRIP are especially important for management. Stock assessments are unavailable for Dolphin or Wahoo due in part to the migratory nature of each species but also due to a lack of reliable data on the stocks of each species. In the western Atlantic, they are found from Nova Scotia to Brazil, including Bermuda, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Dr. Wessley Merten with the Dolphinfish Research Program has provided the Council with presentations on tagging research demonstrating the migratory nature of Dolphin. In the presentations, Dr. Merten noted the largely unreported or under reported commercial landings from other countries. Learn more at: https://dolphintagging.com.

Dolphin Wahoo Amendment 10

The new catch level recommendations require the Council to modify current annual catch limits (the number or pounds of fish that can be harvested in any given year) and adjust allocations between recreational and commercial sectors. For Dolphin and Wahoo these measures are being addressed through Amendment 10 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan. The amendment would also modify recreational accountability measures to help ensure that annual catch limits are not exceeded. These temporary measures may include in-season reductions in bag limits, vessel limits, or shortening of a season the following year if the catch limit is exceeded. In developing the amendment, the Council has also included proposed actions in response to public input on management changes needed in the fishery. There are currently a total of 13 actions in the amendment.

The Council recently held a series of public hearings via webinar where staff provided a complete overview of the amendment and the Council’s preferred alternatives. A copy of the presentation, video, and interactive story map is available at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/. Let’s take a closer look at some of the proposed measures and concerns expressed by fishermen.

Read the complete article

Meeting Materials and Online Public Comment Form Now Available for SAFMC March 1-5, 2021 Meeting via Webinar

February 16, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Meeting materials for the upcoming March 1-5, 2021 meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council are now available, including the meeting week agenda and individual committee agendas and overviews. An online public comment form is also available.

The meeting will be held via webinar and is available to the public as it occurs. A single webinar registration will allow access to each day of the meeting. Register now to receive email reminders as the meeting date approaches. Additional materials and meeting details are available from the Council’s website.

Agenda Highlights

  • Amendment 10 to the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery Management Plan
    • The Dolphin Wahoo Committee will review recent public comments and continue to work on the amendment with actions to modify catch levels and sector allocations for both Dolphin and Wahoo, reduce recreational vessel limits for Dolphin and Wahoo, reduce bag limits for Wahoo and other measures affecting the fishery along the Atlantic coast.
  • Shrimp Fishery Access Area in the Oculina Habitat Area of Particular Concern (Coral Amendment 10) – a public hearing on proposed measures will be held during the public comment session (see below)
  • Snapper Grouper Committee will address:
    • Red Porgy – (Snapper Grouper Amendment 50) – management measures to end overfishing and rebuild the stock
    • Greater Amberjack – (Snapper Grouper Amendment 49) – options to adjust catch levels and sector allocations
    • Wreckfish Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) Program – proposed changes to modernize the existing program. Public scoping will be held during the public comment session (see below)
  • King Mackerel – options to adjust catch levels and sector allocations. Public scoping will be held during the public comment session (see below).

The meeting begins Monday afternoon, March 1, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. with a meeting of the Full Council. Meetings of the Council’s committees will continue through the week, concluding with a meeting of the Full Council on Friday, March 5th.

Public Comment Session – Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.

The Council will accept public comment on agenda items during this time. In addition, public hearing comments specific to Coral Amendment 10 (Shrimp Fishery Access Areas) and scoping comments for the Wreckfish ITQ Program and proposed management options for King Mackerel will also be solicited. A separate registration is required to provide public comment.

All meeting materials, the online comment form, and webinar registration information is available by selecting the appropriate tab from the March 2021 Council meeting page at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/council-meetings/.

SAFMC Meeting Scheduled via Webinar for March 1-5 , 2021

February 4, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council meet March 1-5, 2021 via webinar. During the week-long meeting Council members will discuss federal management measures affecting:

  • Dolphin and Wahoo (along the entire Atlantic coast)
  • Greater Amberjack
  • Red Porgy
  • King Mackerel
  • Wreckfish

The meeting agenda also includes continued review of a proposed Shrimp Fishery Access Area in the Oculina Habitat Area of Particular Concern (Coral Amendment 10) and an update on the Council’s Habitat and Ecosystem Blueprint development.

The meeting begins Monday afternoon, March 1, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. with a meeting of the Full Council. Meetings of the Council’s committees will continue through the week, concluding with a meeting of the Full Council on Friday, March 5th.

Public Comment Session – Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
The Council will accept public comment on agenda items during this time. In addition, public hearing comments specific to Coral Amendment 10 (Shrimp Fishery Access Areas) and scoping comments for the Wreckfish Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) Program and proposed management options for King Mackerel will also be solicited.

Unless otherwise indicated, the meeting is open to the public via webinar. Registration is required. Register now and receive reminders as the meeting date approaches. Meeting materials and the public comment form will be posted to the Council’s website two weeks prior to the meeting at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/council-meetings/.

Southeast Regional Permits Office Will Start Issuing Operator Permits on Paper Effective Immediately

January 26, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

KEY MESSAGE:

  • An operator permit is required for the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic, and for rock shrimp of the Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic.
  • Effective immediately, the NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Region Permit Office will no longer be issuing an operator permit for these fisheries on a plastic card, but will be issuing the permit on paper.
  • In addition, beginning in February 2021, if an applicant selects the “Check here to receive your operator permit by email” box on the application, the operator permit will be emailed to the applicant upon approval and the applicant can print it. Otherwise, if the applicant does not select the “Check here to receive your operator permit by email” box on their application to the Southeast Region Permit Office, the operator permit will be printed out on paper and mailed to them from the Southeast Region Permit Office.

Who is required to have an operator permit?

  • An operator of a vessel that has, or is required to have, a commercial vessel permit or a charter vessel/headboat permit for Atlantic dolphin and wahoo.
  • An operator of a vessel that has, or is required to have, a commercial vessel permit for rock shrimp (Carolinas Zone) or a commercial vessel permit for rock shrimp (South Atlantic federal waters).
  • More information on operator permits can be found here for the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery of the Atlantic, and here for rock shrimp of the Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic.

How will I receive my approved operator permit?

Starting February 2021, if the applicant selects the “Check here to receive your operator permit by email” box on the paper application, the operator permit will be sent to the email address provided.

What if I still want my approved operator permit mailed to me instead of emailed?

While the email address is a required field on the application, unless the applicant selects the “Check here to receive your operator permit by email” box, we will print and mail the paper operator permit from the Southeast Region Permit Office.

Read the full release here