NOAA Fisheries Service extends red snapper season in the Gulf of Mexico through July 16

GULF SHORES AND ORANGE BEACH, ALA. – Landing massive red snappers will now be possible for families visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast in mid-July thanks to NOAA Fisheries Service’s extension of the season through July 16. NOAA evaluated the first 26 days of the 2012 recreational red snapper fishing season and determined that extended severe weather, including Tropical Storm Debby, resulted in numerous lost fishing days for the north-central Gulf of Mexico where a substantial portion of this harvest occurs.

“These extra six days are an opportunity for our guests to enjoy one of the world’s best red snapper fisheries,” said Herb Malone, president/CEO of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (CVB). “Adding to the options for our families is the opening of grouper season on July 1 alongside many other ongoing seasons. Our state boasts the nation’s largest artificial reef program just off our shores, and the smiles of charter boat guests returning to dock show the evidence of our bountiful fishery and the lifelong memories created.”

Echoing similar thoughts, Tom Steber, president of the Orange Beach Fishing Association said that “this extension will help local captains re-coop the June days lost to weather, and they are thrilled to have six more days to show guests how many hungry red snapper are in our Gulf waters. Then, take the freshly caught snapper and other fish to the local restaurants with hook-and-cook menu options and put an exclamation mark on an excellent Orange Beach fishing trip.”

Visit www.orangebeach.com/fishing for local charter and marina listings in addition to a weekly “What’s Biting” blog.

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Media Contact:

Kim Chapman
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
kchapman@gulfshores.com
1-800-745-SAND
251-974-4625 (direct)
251-752-8448 (cell)

About Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism:

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism serves as the official destination marketing organization for the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in addition to the unincorporated area of Fort Morgan. To learn more about Alabama’s 32 miles of sugar white sand, visit either www.gulfshores.com or www.orangebeach.com. This convention and visitors bureau is an accredited Destination Marketing Organization (2008-2012) and is an official corporate sponsor of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).