Reef fish population growing off Alabama coast

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 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, numbers of red snapper are higher than at 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 U.S. 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 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-based 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 nonresident, annual or trip), and any Alabama resident 65 or older or a lifetime saltwater license holder must have a current saltwater angler registration.