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Heading out for 2-day red snapper season next Friday and Saturday (July 11th and 12th)? Want a longer season in the future? Help resources managers better understand the fishery by donating your filleted carcass and maybe, just maybe, the information learned will help us get there!
You can be a Citizen Scientist
The Coastal Resources Division (CRD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is asking anglers to donate their filleted red snapper carcasses for research. Why? “Every carcass provides data on size-at-age and reproductive status. The better biologists understand these factors the better they can manage the fishery,” said Carolyn Belcher, CRD’s Chief of Marine Fisheries. Carcass freezers are located at marinas and bait shops across the coast (CoastalGaDNR.org/MarineCarcass).
Catch a different species? We’ll take ‘em!
The information garnered from every carcass builds the body of science and helps inform management,” Belcher continued. “As an added perk, you’ll be entered to win one of two $50 Academy Sports gift cards.”
Watch Out for Barotrauma
When fishing in depths greater than 50 feet, the chance of your fish suffering barotrauma, bulging stomachs, eyes and swim bladders, increases. Help your released catch survive by gearing up with a descending device. Not only is it the right thing to do, it’s the law. Learn how to use descending devices at SAFMC.net/Best-Fishing-Practices.
Other Ways You Can Help
Log Your Offshore Fishing Trips Online: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) hosts a phone app to collect data on released snapper/grouper species, including length, depth of release, observations of shark predation, and use of descending devices. Visit SAFMC.net/Citizen-Science/SAFMC-Release.
Chat with Our Crew
CRD staff will be cruising marinas and boat ramps conducting short, in-person surveys about your fishing trip. Answers are voluntary and confidential. Details on the 2-day red snapper season are available at, “NOAA Fisheries Announces Changes to the Management of Red Snapper in the South Atlantic Region and the 2025 Fishing Seasons.” Anglers are allowed one red snapper, any length. For everything else marine-fishing—regulations, tips and how to get involved—visit CoastalGaDNR.org/RecreationalFishing.
Turn Your Next Catch into Conservation
Whether you’re after that trophy red snapper or just chasing the tug on the line, you can play an important role in Georgia’s citizen-science story. See you at the freezer stations!
Media Contact:
Tyler Jones
Public Information Officer
Coastal Resources Division
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
tyler.jones@dnr.ga.gov
912-230-9709
