Researchers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are looking for anglers’ help to capture information about the Atlantic red snapper fishery.
The final days of the 2019 recreational season in Atlantic federal waters is this weekend. Anglers are limited to one fish per person, per day, with no minimum size limit, according to the FWC.
FWC researchers and volunteers will be out along Florida’s east coast during each day of the season asking recreational fishers about their red snapper trips and their catch. Researchers will also collect biological samples of harvested fish, which will not affect the fillet, to help determine the age of each red snapper.
Anglers are also encouraged to submit their catch information to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council online at MyFishCount.com, even if information has already been submitted to FWC staff in person.
The survey responses and biological samples submitted by anglers will provide researchers data about the red snapper fishery. The FWC will provide information collected to the Southeast Data, Assessment and Review for the next red snapper stock assessment.
Anglers are encouraged to use best handling practices on fish that are being released including descending devices or venting tools on fish that are experiencing barotrauma.
