The Marine Resources Division reminds recreational red snapper anglers that the captain or owner of any vessel, private or charter, is required to report all red snapper kept and discarded dead prior to landing in Alabama. Only one report is required per vessel trip and anglers can provide information via one of the following methods; the Outdoor Alabama Pocket Ranger® app available in the iTunes or Google Play app stores, online at outdooralabama.com; by telephone at 1-844-REDSNAP (1-844-733-7627), or by paper forms available at select coastal public boat launches. All red snapper are required to be reported regardless of whether they were caught in Alabama’s waters, federal waters or an adjacent state’s waters.

Anglers who retain red snapper caught in waters of another state when Alabama waters are closed can land those fish in Alabama if they meet the following conditions:

1. Must have a valid fishing license and meet legal requirements (size and creel limits, etc.) for the jurisdiction where fish were caught.
2. Must have either an Alabama saltwater license or, for anglers over 65, a free saltwater angler registry to cover the limit(s) of retained fish.
3. Transit only through state waters without stopping, except for a mechanical or medical emergency.

The reporting requirement, which began in 2014, is designed to provide fishery managers timely and accurate data to manage the red snapper resource. “Results from the first year of the reporting program were very encouraging,” said Christopher Blankenship, Marine Resources Division Director. Blankenship added, “Considering that the amount of time to notify the public last year was limited, their support of the program was good as over half of the red snapper trips were estimated to have been reported.”

Anglers should note that even if they are interviewed by Marine Resources Division staff, they are still required to file a landing report. As was done last year, Marine Resources Division staff will sample vessels at ramps and marinas to collect length and weight information to check against reported trips to determine the level of under-reporting.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources continues to support Alabama’s anglers and anticipates this program will assist its efforts to maximize access to this valuable resource. For more information, contact the Alabama Marine Resources Division at 251-861-2882 or 251-968-7576.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

FISH ON!

 

Alabama, fish, Fishing, Red Snapper

By Sid

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