April 16 2025 — In February, NOAA Fisheries took the initial steps to collect more comprehensive fisheries data by testing equipment that will be used to estimate the abundance of red snapper in the Gulf of America. We will use advanced video and acoustic cameras, combined with echosounders and artificial intelligence (AI) to collect these data. It’s a first-of-its-kind attempt to develop next generation surveys to improve and automate detection of red snapper, even in low visibility conditions, using acoustic technologies.
A Way of Life for Coastal Communities
Stock assessments include estimates of recreational catch, effort, and discards (when a fish is returned into the ocean dead or alive). They factor into how saltwater fishing seasons are determined. In the Southeast United States, saltwater fishing is a favorite pastime. Offshore fishing in the Gulf of America specifically has been cited as one of the top reasons people visit the region. Red snapper is the flagship species for what is considered to be the largest recreational fishery in the world. Red snapper are highly prized for their cultural and recreational value. Having an idea of their abundance in the Gulf is crucial for the sustainable management of the species and the coastal economies that rely on thriving fisheries.
NOAA Fisheries’ Responsibility
NOAA Fisheries is responsible for monitoring fish populations, managing stocks, and enforcing regulations, operating under 10 National Standards of sustainability. Our Southeast Fisheries Science Center is responsible for providing stock assessments to inform management. These assessments are a scientific report containing information on the collection, analysis, and details on the condition of a fish stock and estimating its sustainable yield. Managing sustainable fisheries is a dynamic process that requires consistent attention to new scientific information that can guide management actions.