The Marine Resources Division (MRD) of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently concluded three public hearings on the status of various fish species and potential new regulations on each. Although any proposed changes are still subject to review and adjustment, it’s clear that AL-MRD believes changes are necessary.
Common Snook
The average seasonal water temperatures of the Gulf of Mexico have increased slightly over the past decade, but more than enough that certain sub-tropical species are establishing themselves on the northern Gulf Coast. Permit and snook are two of these species.
According to Scott Bannon, Director of MRD, snook presents a conundrum. They’ve been caught around Perdido Bay for the past decade. Because they’re not native, there’s no reason to set regulations. However, snook are beginning to overwinter and even spawn in Perdido Bay – a trend also observed in the Florida Panhandle. In addition, the majority of anglers are excited about having the opportunity to catch snook and would like some protection.
AL-MRD is proposing a one (1) fish daily limit with a minimum length of 24 inches on common snook.
Redfish
The current regulation for redfish in Alabama is three (3) fish per day, with a slot limit of 16 to 26 inches, of which only one fish can be longer than 26 inches. Recent surveys show the spawning stock recruitment to be trending below the conservation standard, so some change is necessary. Alabama was stocking redfish fingerlings at its marine hatchery, but has since switched over to southern flounder and pompano, species in greater need of stocking efforts.
AL-MRD is proposing eliminating the allowance of oversized redfish (like Louisiana and a few other states have). There is also consideration for increasing the minimum size from 16 to 18 inches like most states have.
Sheepshead
Current regulations for sheepshead are ten (10) fish per person per day with a minimum length of 12 inches. Biologists say they’ve seen a decline in both recreational catches and commercial catches in recent years. Two proposals are being considered by the Department.
Proposal 1: keep the current 10 fish limit, but increase the minimum length size to 15 inches. Because this is the average size caught by most anglers, this change may only marginally increase the spawning stock biomass.
Proposal 2: lower the daily bag limit from 10 to 8 (or lower). By comparison, Mississippi is 15, Florida is 8, Texas is 5. Louisiana has no size or bag limit, but there is strong evidence that this species is being overfished and regulations are imminent.
Tripletail
The current limit for tripletail in Alabama is three (3) fish per person per day, minimum total length of 18 inches. Fishing for tripletail continues to gain in popularity, and because the species is excellent table fare, anglers seldom release what they catch. Scott Bannon says that while data isn’t finalize yet, there is significant demand by sport fishermen to “do something”.
AL-MRD is considering adopting a boat limit as opposed to tighter restriction on individual limits.
Other species
Rays, skates and sharks are also being considered. Rays and skates are
being targeted by bow fishermen for their tails. There’s a significant enough harvest right now to affect this late maturing species.
Shark depredation is a serious problem across the South Atlantic and Gulf Coast, due to dramatic increases in their numbers. Protection was placed many years back when several shark species were endangered, and now the pendulum has swung 180 degrees. AL-MRD is considering allowing a very limited longline commercial shark operations in state waters.
GCC recommendations
The FFI Gulf Coast Council plans to take conservation actions on several, if not all, of these proposals. Like all CAs, the first step will be to consult with fellow stakeholders such as CCA Alabama, Alabama Wildlife Federation, Alabama Charter Fishing Association, organizers of the Tripletail Classic, coastal fishing clubs including GCC member clubs.
The second step will be to discuss the results of these discussions with AL-MRD for their opinions, as well as other resource professionals. The third step will be to bring a summary of all these discussions to the GCC Conservation Committee for a recommended course of action, and then final approval by the GCC board for those actions.
