The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division (MRD) announced Wednesday that Alabama’s waters will open for the recreational harvest of red snapper from Friday, May 27 – Sunday, July 31, 2016. For 2016, the state waters were extended in federal legislation that was passed in December 2015. This extension allows the State of Alabama to manage reef fish out to 9 miles from shore. The daily bag limit will be two red snapper per person. The minimum size for red snapper will be 16 inches total length. A list of public artificial and natural reefs located in Alabama state waters can be found at www.outdooralabama.com/artificial-reefs. Federal waters outside 9 miles will also be open for red snapper harvest during the nine-day federal season June 1-9.

 

Fishermen are reminded that they are still required to report their red snapper harvest through Snapper Check to the Marine Resources Division during this period as well as any other time red snapper are allowed to be landed in Alabama. Only one report is required per vessel trip, and anglers can provide details via a smartphone app available under “Outdoor Alabama” in the iTunes or Google Play app stores; online at outdooralabama.com; by phone at 1-844-REDSNAP (1-844-733-7627); or by paper forms available at select coastal public boat launches. Additional information can be found at www.outdooralabama.com/red-snapper-data-and-mandatory-reporting-faqs.