To better understand the catch and discard rates of red snapper and other snapper grouper species and test alternative management strategies in the center of abundance of the atlantic red snapper…

To better understand the catch and discard rates of red snapper and other snapper grouper species and test alternative management strategies in the center of abundance of the atlantic red snapper fishery, from the FL/GA line south to cape canaveral, FWC aims to accomplish the following goals: 1) collaborate with recreational vessel operators and anglers to collect catch and discard information within the snapper grouper fishery; 2) recruit vessel operators to test a snapper grouper aggregate bag limit and its impact on reducing the magnitude of regulatory discards; 3) allow vessel operators recruited for this study to harvest red snapper outside of the federal season, accompanied by a mandatory reporting requirement and provisions for validation; 4) develop a unique APP to record information from participants; 5) develop an education course required for all participants; and 6) evaluate angler satisfaction through pre- and post-participation surveys.