FWC seeks information from snapper fishermen

The Florida Fish and Wilidlife Conservation Commission is looking for help from fishermen in collecting catch data on red snapper and other reef fish.

FWC biologists will be distributing survey cards over the next few weeks at public areas, including boat ramps, fishing piers and marinas.

They are hoping fishermen will fill out the forms and provide useful information about fishing trips targeting red snapper.

The information they are looking for includes where a red snapper is caught and released, the type of fishing equipment used, the size of the fish and its condition when released.

Another way to help is with a quick phone call to report reeling in a tagged reef fish.

FWC biologists have been tagging and releasing reef fish such as snapper and grouper in the Gulf of Mexico since 2009 to evaluate fish survival after recreational anglers catch and release these species.

The yellow or orange tags are near the dorsal fin of the fish, and each tag has a unique number printed on the side.

FWC researchers ask fishermen to report tagged fish to the Angler Tag Return Hotline at 800-367-4461.

Fishermen receive free T-shirts for reporting a fish tagged as part of this project.

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