Red Snapper More Prolific Than Thought

The Great Red Snapper Count for the Gulf of Mexico recently uncovered more red snapper than previously known, AL.com reported. The survey results, showing what Assistant Fisheries Administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Chris Oliver called “possibly up to three times as many” snapper, could affect future management of the fish. “The early results that more fish were found is not surprising, given the scale of this effort and use of new, innovative technologies to count fish,” he added. “While it is difficult to determine exactly how this study will influence red snapper management, we intend to incorporate study results into an interim stock assessment in 2021… and make adjustments to red snapper management as appropriate.” Count results are to be made public later this year.