Alabama red snapper season will close Sunday

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Marine Resources Division (MRD) has announced the closure of Alabama state waters to the harvest of red snapper by private anglers and state-licensed commercial party boats at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 22, 2018.  The quota of 984,291 pounds issued under NOAA Fisheries' Alabama Recreational Red Snapper Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) is expected to be met by the closure date.

"Alabama anglers fished extremely hard on the good weather days during the season," said Marine Resources Director Scott Bannon. "That level of effort, coupled with larger average-sized fish harvested this year as compared to last year, resulted in a daily harvest rate two times higher than 2017, which prompted an earlier than anticipated closure.

Anglers are reminded of the following:

  • Possession of red snapper in Alabama waters while state waters are closed is prohibited regardless of where the fish were harvested.
  • Alabama anglers may fish in federal waters off the coast of Alabama (outside of 9 nm) and land in a state that is open to the landing of red snapper, but they must adhere to the open state's rules and not transit in Alabama state waters with red snapper on board.
  • The season for federally-permitted charter for-hire vessels will close at 12:01 a.m. July 22.

In-season landings estimates were calculated through the use of Snapper Check, the program established in 2014 to collect mandatory trip reports from anglers, and this monitoring tool was a key component of the EFP.

MRD staff will review the complete 2018 season effort and landings data to develop a plan for the 2019 season. Summary data from the season and information about the EFP can been found atwww.outdooralabama.com/saltwater-fishing/exempted-fishing-permit.

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Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Now Open

The Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest is now accepting entries through October 31, 2018. The contest is a joint project between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Alabama Tourism Department and the Alabama Bicentennial Commission. The contest is open to state residents and visitors alike, but qualifying photos must have been taken in Alabama.

The contest is open to adults and youth. A total of 10 photos per person may be entered in the following categories:

  • Alabama Bicentennial
  • Birds of a Feather
  • Bugs and Butterflies
  • Coastal Life
  • Cold-blooded Critters
  • Nature-Based Recreation
  • Shoots and Roots
  • State Park Adventures
  • Sweet Home Alabama
  • Watchable Wildlife
  • Waterfalls
  • Young Photographer

Category explanations and additional entry information may be found at www.outdooralabama.com/photo-contest. Entry is restricted to the online upload of digital images, which can be completed from a computer, tablet or mobile phone.

First, second, third and one honorable mention will be awarded in each category. Winning images will be featured online and in a traveling exhibit across the state during 2019. An exhibit of 2018 winners is currently on display around the state.

For more information, call 334-242-3151 or email Kim Nix at kim.nix@dcnr.alabama.gov.

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Urban Wildlife Seminar August 9 at Monte Sano State Park Lodge

The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries is conducting an Understanding Urban Wildlife seminar on August 9 at the Monte Sano State Park Lodge in Huntsville.

Participants will discover how to solve common wildlife dilemmas, prevent negative situations, and how to encourage desired wildlife species.

The workshop is free and will begin at 5:45 p.m.

For more information, call 256-280-5009.

Monte Sano State Park
5105 Nolen Ave.SE
Huntsville, AL 35801

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