The Marine Resources Division (MRD) of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) announces that Alabama state waters and federal waters will be open to private and state-licensed charter vessel anglers for red snapper harvest on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
“The Fourth of July is traditionally a day when families spend time together on the water,” said Scott Bannon, MRD Director. “We are thankful to be in a position to provide the opportunity for people to catch red snapper this Independence Day. A closing date for the season will be announced when the 2023 quota is anticipated to be met. Anglers are encouraged to continue reporting their harvest through Snapper Check and participate in the dockside surveys conducted by MRD staff. Accurate reporting helps us best manage Alabama’s red snapper season.”
ADCNR uses the Snapper Check system to monitor shore, private vessel and state charter angler landings. Red snapper landings updates are posted weekly during the season at www.outdooralabama.com/2023-red-snapper-landings-summary. As of June 26, 2023, anglers have harvested 361,314 pounds of the state’s 2023 federal quota of 591,185 pounds.
The Alabama private angler quota for 2023 was set by NOAA Fisheries as a result of changes concerning the difference between state and federal harvest landing systems. However, there is an anticipated increase to Alabama’s 2024 red snapper quota as a result of an increase in the annual catch limit for Gulf red snapper that is currently in the rulemaking process at NOAA Fisheries.
“Even with the changes to Alabama’s quota this year, we are having a great red snapper season,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “Adding the Fourth of July holiday for red snapper fishing will be good for families and friends celebrating our freedoms on the water that day in coastal Alabama.”
Anglers are reminded that the daily bag limit is two red snapper per person, per day with a minimum size limit of 16 inches total length.
ADCNR 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 at www.outdooralabama.com.
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