The reef fish population in the Gulf is growing ahead of the 2025 red snapper season, according to the University of South Alabama’s annual fish survey.
Researchers from the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences recently completed their annual presentation to the leadership at the Alabama Marine Resources Division on the condition of fish populations around the more than 10,000 artificial reefs off Alabama’s coast. Although the average size of red snapper is lower than some points in the time series, the number of red snapper is higher than in any recent years.
The survey includes deploying an underwater remotely operated vehicle with a camera to collect imagery of fish swimming in Gulf waters to help estimate the population. In 2024, they observed the highest value of red snapper since the survey began in 2011.
The survey includes deploying an underwater remotely operated vehicle with a camera to collect imagery of fish swimming in Gulf waters to help estimate the population. Coupled with bottom habitat mapping to estimate the number of artificial and natural reefs, these data allow USA researchers to estimate population size and trends.
“We have a healthy red snapper population in our area of the Gulf,” said Dr. Sean Powers, director of the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences. “We have the management and science in place to balance the needs of a diverse group of fishermen.”
The 2025 red snapper season will open to private and state-licensed charter vessel anglers beginning Friday, May 23. It 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 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries and is anticipated to be 664,552 pounds.
“Alabama is blessed with phenomenal fishery resources,” Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship said. “Our partnership with the University of South Alabama to provide cutting-edge fishery research as well as long-term data collection is critical in assisting us in making informed decisions.”
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.
This research was partially funded by the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program, Office of Conservation Investment, via multiple grant awards administered by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and Alabama saltwater anglers through their purchase of the Reef Fish.
Courtesy of the University of South Alabama
