Alabama Red Snapper Season Opens
Posted on May 23, 2025
The number of red snapper off Alabama鈥檚 Gulf Coast is the highest in more than a decade, the latest 青青草视频 fish population survey suggests. The season for recreational red snapper fishing opens May 23.
Researchers at the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences recently completed their annual presentation to the Alabama Marine Resources Division on the condition of fish populations surrounding more than 10,000 reefs off Alabama鈥檚 coast.
The survey uses an underwater remotely operated vehicle with a camera to collect imagery of fish associated with artificial and natural reefs in Gulf waters along with habitat mapping to help estimate the number of reefs. In 2024, researchers observed the highest number of red snapper since the survey began in 2011. Their size has stayed relatively stable in recent years, though down from a peak average of more than 16 inches in 2015.
鈥淲e have a healthy red snapper population in our area of the Gulf,鈥� said Dr. Sean Powers, director of the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences. 鈥淲e have the management and science in place to balance the needs of a diverse group people who fish.鈥�
The 2025 red snapper season for private and state-licensed charter vessel anglers will remain open seven days a week through June 30. The season will then transition to four-day weekends starting July 4 until the private angler quota is met. The Alabama private angler quota for 2025 is set by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries and is anticipated to be 664,552 pounds.
鈥淎labama is blessed with phenomenal fishery resources,鈥� Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship said. 鈥淥ur partnership with the 青青草视频 to provide cutting edge-based fishery research as well as long-term data collection is critical in assisting us in making informed decisions.鈥�
The daily bag limit is two red snapper per person, per day with a minimum size limit of 16 inches.
Anglers 16 years of age and older must have an Alabama saltwater fishing license (resident or non-resident, annual or trip), and any Alabama resident 65 or older or a lifetime saltwater license holder must have a current saltwater angler registration.
South鈥檚 research was partially funded by the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service鈥檚 Office of Conservation Investment through multiple grant awards administered by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division, along with contributions from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Alabama saltwater anglers through their purchase of the saltwater fishing license reef fish endorsement.
