Caution encouraged during Hurricane Sally cleanup
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD) reminds anglers that three days have been added to the private angler recreational season for red snapper. The additional days will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, and run until midnight on Monday, October 12, 2020.
The red snapper fishing days apply to State and Federal waters adjacent to Alabama. The limit will be two fish per angler with a 16-inch total length minimum size.
Anglers taking advantage of the additional days should be aware of the potential boating hazards created in the aftermath of Hurricane Sally, which made landfall as a category 2 storm near Orange Beach, Alabama, on September 16.
“Hurricanes and other high-water events create all kinds of debris that can be hidden just under the water’s surface and scattered at public boat ramps along the coast,” said Scott Bannon, MRD Director. “We encourage boaters to take it slow and be cautious when heading out on the water for these additional days. This could remain a concern over the next few years.”
All red snapper landed in Alabama must be reported through the state’s Snapper Check system. The easiest way to check your red snapper harvest is through the Outdoor AL app, which is available in the Apple and Android app stores or online at www.outdooralabama.com/contact-us/mobile-apps.
In addition to the mandatory reporting of red snapper, anglers are also encouraged to report gray triggerfish and greater amberjack through the Snapper Check system.
After the initial run of the 2020 red snapper season, MRD reviewed landing estimates derived from angler reports submitted through Snapper Check and determined the additional days were available to achieve the state’s 2020 federal quota. Detailed red snapper landing information is available at www.outdooralabama.com/2020-red-snapper-landings-summary.
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. To learn more about ADCNR, visitwww.outdooralabama.com.
###
