Saltwater Tagging Program

The Alabama Marine Resources Division is conducting a study of reef fish. Biological staff from the Division will be tagging various reef fish species including snappers, groupers, triggerfish, jacks, grunts, and porgies. This research is funded through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Federation (NFWF).  To learn more about this organization visit their website.

Example of an AMRD Fish Tag

The Division’s tags are a yellow streamer applied just below the fish’s dorsal fin, in the left “shoulder.” Text printed on the tag says “AL MARINE RESOURCES” with a 4-digit tag number and the Division’s fish tag website. 

IF YOU CATCH A TAGGED FISH IN ALABAMA WATERS, HERE IS WHAT TO DO:

RECORD THE FOLLOWING CAPTURE INFORMATION ON THE DOWNLOADABLE FORM BELOW

• Fish species, tag number, date of capture, fish length at the fork of the tail to the nearest 1/8 inch, specific catch location (GPS coordinates if possible), bottom depth, and type of capture if known..

• When releasing any fish, do NOT remove the streamer tag. Repeat captures of the same fish are possible.  Simply record any of the above information about the fish that you are able to capture

• Note any unusual circumstances regarding the catch (Ex:  predator interactions, etc).

• Pictures are welcome!

CONTACT THE MARINE RESOURCES DIVISION WITH THE CAPTURE INFORMATION:

You can return tag information via phone, fax, email, USPS, or by dropping by a Marine Resources Division office. If you are using the form you can simply turn it in using one of the methods listed.

• Angler Tag Return
  1-251-968-6605 (phone)
  1-251-968-7303 (fax)

• dcnr.swtags@dcnr.alabama.gov

• Mailing address:
  Reef Fish Tag Return
  AL Marine Resources Division
  P.O. Drawer 458
  Gulf Shores, AL 36547

OBSERVE CURRENT FISHING REGULATIONS

To view the most current saltwater fishing regulations for the state of Alabama, visit the Saltwater Fishing Regulations section.