Alabama is the most recent state to dissent from the feds red snapper mandates in the Gulf of Mexico. Alabama Governor Bob Riley recently extended the red snapper season in Alabama’s state waters to end the same day as Florida’s season—Oct. 31. Initially, Alabama’s red snapper season followed the newly implemented federal season, June 1 to Sept. 30.

“Alabama understands and supports the federal government’s policies on managing marine resources,” said Governor Riley. “However, we cannot stand by and allow Alabama's fishermen to be penalized without NOAA addressing the lack of support by other states."

In an effort to reduce red snapper harvest, fish regulators set the federal red snapper season from June 1 to Sept. 30. Managers then decided this year’s season should close even earlier on August 5, in part because states such as Florida and Texas did not change their state laws to match federal regulations. Texas has a year-round season for its state waters with a 4-fish bag and 15-inch minimum. Florida has an April 15 through Oct. 31 season with a 2-fish bag and 16-inch minimum.

Plenty of anglers along the Gulf Coast are skeptical of federal fish-counters’ fuzzy numbers and their propensity to side with commercial interests. Anglers on the water are reporting record numbers of red snapper and studies are finding the same: www.floridasportsman.com/casts/080701/index.html. Texas and Florida anglers hailed their state wildlife agencies for not changing limits and seasons.

Alabama commissioner Barnett Lawley pointed out federal regulations probably have even more effect on Alabama, with its three nautical miles of state waters. Florida and Texas have nine nautical miles of state waters in the Gulf of Mexico.

“Those states can continue to harvest red snapper while our charter captains struggle with the burden of 56 fewer days of fishing,” Lawley said. Lawley was referring to the shortened federal season that ends August 5, instead of Sept. 30. “This economic burden is multiplied in communities like Orange Beach and Dauphin Island where offshore fishing is a driving force in their economies.”