The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries is inviting recreational anglers to contribute Red Snapper carcasses for research during the 2025 mini-season on July 11-12. The initiative aims to gather data that will aid in future stock assessments.
Anglers who donate a Red Snapper carcass and complete a catch-card will receive an inverted hook-descending device, courtesy of South Atlantic Sea Grant. Participants will also be entered into a drawing for one of three SeaQualizer descending devices. To qualify, anglers must fill out the catch-card accurately at designated donation sites.
The division has established additional temporary donation locations alongside eight year-round sites where fishermen can bring their Red Snapper carcasses. Temporary sites include Bridge Tender Marina in Wilmington and Carolina Beach Municipal Docks, among others. Year-round locations are spread across various areas including Cape Pointe Marina in Harkers Island and Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head.
When preparing fish for donation, anglers should leave the head and tail intact and retain the guts if possible. Biologists from the division will measure the fish, determine its sex when feasible, and extract otoliths for age analysis. This information will be shared with the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Anglers can also report their fishing activities through the SAFMC Release app to improve catch estimates by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
The division has recently announced proclamations regarding the 2025 Red Snapper seasons for both recreational and commercial fishing in North Carolina. These regulations align with amendments to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Fishery Management Plan.
The recreational season begins at midnight on July 11 and ends at midnight on July 12, allowing one fish per person per day without size restrictions. The commercial season starts on July 14 with a trip limit of 75 pounds gutted weight, closing either by January 1, 2026 or when quotas are met.
Gear regulations remain unchanged from previous years, requiring onboard descending devices and specific types of circle hooks when fishing for snapper-grouper species.
Further details about best fishing practices and gear requirements can be found through NOAA Fisheries announcements or by contacting Amanda Macek at amanda.macek@deq.nc.gov.
