The Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the 2023 private angler red snapper fishing season closed, effective Oct. 17. Alabama's 2023 federal allocation of red snapper is 591,185 pounds, and the quota has been caught.

"Because of state management of the red snapper season, we were able to reopen it for three additional weekends after the initial closure," said Scott Bannon, MRD director, in a news release. "Our goal is to provide the maximum opportunity to Alabama's anglers, and we feel we have accomplished that."

MRD anticipates an increase to the Alabama quota for the 2024 season based on a rule to be approved by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce in late 2023.

"We were pleased to be able to reopen the season and provide anglers with additional opportunities to harvest red snapper this fall," said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR commissioner. "I am excited about the possibility of an increase in Alabama's 2024 federal quota. We will continue working to ensure our citizens and visitors have access to the incredible red snapper fishery off the coast of Alabama."