Management in Alabama

Alligator Gar Management in Alabama

The alligator gar is the largest freshwater fish species in both length and weight found in Alabama. Their native range in Alabama is primarily throughout the Mobile Delta and coastal river tributaries of Mobile Bay, as well as free-flowing portions of the lower Tombigbee, Alabama, and Conecuh rivers. Their large, toothy mouth and hooked jaw somewhat resembles that of the American alligator; hence the name alligator gar.

Though they are a formidable predator, alligator gar derive a large part of their diet from carrion. The diet of adult alligator gar consists mostly of large, soft-bodied fishes; such as shad, suckers, carp, and mullet; as well as snakes, turtles, birds, and small mammals.

Habitat loss and degradation have led in part to declining numbers of alligator gar in Alabama. Their fighting ability, large size, and appeal as a food fish have also contributed to a reduced population in Alabama. From the mid 1980s to early 1990s, commercial harvest of alligator gar was documented and occurred with a “noticeable decline in adult fish numbers” based on field observations (J. Zolczynski, W. Tucker, and K. Dodd, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, personal communications). At that time, there was no limit on this species, which is actually classified as a “Nongame” fish. Based on observations by biologists and interviews with commercial and sport anglers alike, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources made a decision to place a two fish per angler per day limit on October 1, 1992 (Alabama Regulation 220-2-.45). This conservation tool protects the adult population from excessive harvest by commercial anglers.

During this same period, biologist received an increasing number of questions from all over the country about this novel sport fish. This angler interest spurred further concern about the current status of alligator gar populations in Alabama. From 1996-2000, Fisheries Section of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries funded an Auburn University research project to investigate the population status and life history of alligator gar in the Mobile Delta area. Population dynamics and management recommendations on alligator gar were made in a final report to the Fisheries Section. Some highlights of their research revealed that alligator gar were a long-lived species with specimens reaching up to 50 years old. Males reach sexual maturity at age 7, and females do not mature until age 11, which is quite old for the sexually mature of a fish. Because of their advanced age at maturity, they are more susceptible to overharvest. Adults spawn in fresh to low saline waters in beds of submerged and emergent aquatic plants. The very adhesive eggs stick to plant fibers until they hatch.
www.ag.auburn.edu/aaes/communications/highlights/winter00/fishtales.html

Because these fish are so susceptible to overharvest and are found in a very limited number of Alabama public waters, fisheries biologists wanted to consider options for regulating angler harvest. A public meeting was initiated to discuss population status, concerns, and ideas about alligator gar management. During October 2004, anglers known to fish for gar and members of several bowfishing clubs were invited to the District 5 Office in Spanish Fort to an informal discussion. Results from angler comments received at the meeting were as follows:

1. Anglers have a concern about the status of the alligator gar population and reduced success in the fishery in recent years. Angler groups often self-regulate alligator gar harvest well below the current limit. Some tournaments actually implement a no-take or penalty involved for harvest of alligator gar.

2. Most Alabama bow anglers harvest less than 1 alligator gar per year.

3. Hook and line anglers, a minority of the alligator gar anglers, primarily utilize catch and release.

4. Most anglers agree that alligator gar populations are diminished, but some feel that numbers are stabilizing.  

One clear and interesting result of this meeting was that actual angler harvest rate was low. Thus, an updated regulation was proposed that satisfied both anglers and alligator gar recovery plans. Effective October 1, 2005, the bag limit changed from two to one alligator gar per angler per day (Alabama Regulation 220-2-.35).

In 2007, a management plan for alligator gar was written to outline options for enhancement and conservation of this species in Alabama. One objective in management of this species proposed collection of adult alligator gar for the purpose of developing captive brood stock for spawning, rearing, and release of juveniles in selected habitats.

During 2008, staff with the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries collected 21 alligator gar. With the cooperative assistance of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, these fish were transported to Private John Allen National Fish Hatchery in Tupelo, Mississippi, where biologists induced brood fish to spawn. Subsequent to the spawning process, approximately 2,000 fertilized eggs were transported to facilities at Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery in Warm Springs, Georgia, for rearing and developmental studies. Though it was feared that fertilization of eggs was not successful, staff at Warm Springs were able to hatch a number of larvae. These fish were then reared to an advanced size of 8- to 14-inches. To restore these fish to their known native range in Alabama, the surviving 159 juvenile alligator gar were transported back to Alabama and released within Claiborne Lake (Alabama River).

During 2009, a continuation of the previous year’s efforts yielded 15 alligator gar that were collected and transported to Marion State Fish Hatchery in Marion, Alabama. Brood fish were held at Marion and spawned out with the assistance of staff from both Private John Allen and Warm Springs national fish hatcheries. Spawning was performed in early May and hatching of eggs has occurred. The larvae that survive to produce young alligator gar will be raised at both Marion and Warm Springs hatcheries and eventually tagged prior to release in summer 2009.

Alligator gar are currently considered a “Regulated Nongame” fish and a “Species of Moderate Conservation Concern” in Alabama. If you have any questions or information you would like to share about these fish, please call the District 5 Office at 251-626-5153 or email David Armstrong.