Future of the Catch: the Modernization of Recreational Red Snapper Data Collection

Red snapper is a cultural and economic cornerstone for coastal communities in the Gulf of America. The species is a massive driver for tourism and local commerce. For many in the Southeast, red snapper fishing is a multi-generational tradition, making it a flagship species for the world's largest recreational fishery. Effectively managing and preserving this vibrant species requires more than just accuracy, it demands a swift, responsive flow of data.

Technological advancements are shortening data collection timelines. This means scientists are able to collect larger pools of data, faster than ever, and can quickly analyze results to better inform management decisions. NOAA Fisheries deploys AI-driven video and acoustic monitoring devices to count fish in their natural habitat. We also rely on other key components of the data modernization revolution to improve our data.

In 2025, NOAA Fisheries and the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission announced seven new red snapper data improvement projects . On January 1, 2026, these projects began, marking the beginning of a collaborative, state-federal initiative to improve recreational fishing effort and discard data collection in the Gulf. To see this transformation in action, meet three of the partners redefining how we understand and protect the fishery.

Mississippi State University: From Paper Catch Cards to the disCARD

Mississippi State University is developing and fine-tuning the disCARD-a novel, hybrid catch card. By combining traditional catch cards with modern AI-driven machine image recognition, the project aims to make reporting discards easy, fast, and reliable. The disCARD will be tested in each of the five Gulf states in partnership with marine fisheries management agencies. Discard data will be captured for red snapper, cobia, greater amberjack, and more, depending on the species that are most commonly caught in each of the Gulf states. Scientists will begin testing the disCARD as early as summer 2026.

What makes the disCARD different from traditional, paper forms of monitoring and data collection? The data submission process will be quicker and easier for anglers-as simple as sending a text. It will use advanced technologies to process the data recorded on the card. This means anglers will no longer have to wait on a dockside field agent to contribute to fisheries data collection efforts. Similar to the technology we use to digitally deposit paper checks using banking apps, the disCARD will use an automated process to provide near-real time reception of discard data. After filling out the disCARD, participating recreational anglers will simply take a photo of their completed card and submit it via text.

The best part? No new apps will be required. In partnership with Bluefin Data , the project will use a digital platform that allows anglers to simply text a photo of their card via SMS, WhatsApp, or iMessage. By the end of this project, fishery managers will have a streamlined, automated system to track discards. This will ensure the long-term health of the reef fish complex while keeping the reporting process simple for the fishing community.

"Collecting details about discarded fish is difficult, but the fish you release still matter! The disCARD is a simple card anglers can fill out while on the water to provide real-time data. The goal of the disCARD program is to modernize the ways we collect data today to improve our fisheries for tomorrow."
- Dr. Marcus Drymon, Associate Extension Professor, Mississippi State University and Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant

The Nature Conservancy: High-Tech Monitoring, Facilitating Collaboration, and Community Engagement

The Nature Conservancy has launched a collaborative project to improve estimates of recreational reef fish fishing effort in the Gulf. Currently, NOAA Fisheries collects recreational effort data through in-person interviews and electronic reporting. These methods help us gather information from the recreational fishing community. TNC's project will combine daily satellite imagery with existing recreational fishing data and local angler expertise, to create more timely, precise data estimates. TNC is collaborating with Global Fishing Watch and Florida International University to develop new methods for estimating recreational fishing effort for the entire Gulf. They will use novel technologies, particularly analysis of Planet Labs high-resolution satellite imagery.

As a connecting partner that understands the importance of on-the-water experience and insights, TNC is also engaging directly with the recreational angling community. A priority area of this project is to host a series of in-person workshops in six Gulf sub-regions. These workshops will allow the project team to engage directly with the recreational angling community and the state management agencies. They will incorporate local knowledge and expertise, provide opportunities to share details about the project, and collaborate to overcome challenges. These workshops will help scientists refine models and estimates by understanding and incorporating the real-world experience of anglers on the water.

"At the heart of successful fisheries management is timely, accurate data. The Nature Conservancy is excited to work with anglers and other partners to investigate innovative technologies that can supplement existing data in exciting new ways that will increase the accuracy of and trust in estimates of recreational fishing effort."
- David Moss, TNC Fisheries Project Manager

This combination of diverse sources are all informative. Merging them will be critical in building a comprehensive picture of recreational fishing location and intensity for reef fish species. The goal is to create more than just a one-time report. TNC and partners want to build affordable, long-term tools that fishery managers can use for years to come. By developing these repeatable methods, scientists ensure that data on recreational fishing patterns continues to improve in accuracy and inform sustainable management decisions well beyond 2027.

LGL Ecological Research Associates: AI Model Training, Satellite Imagery, and Mobility Trend Data

LGL Ecological Research Associates is developing a model to estimate recreational fishing activity across the Gulf using satellite imagery and anonymized smartphone mobility trends. Initially, LGL will train an AI model to identify general offshore recreational fishing trend movement patterns. They will use previously collected Automatic Identification System and Vessel Monitoring System location data from a small sample of volunteer private anglers. By sharing tracking data from their own trips, these volunteers are ensuring the science reflects the real-world experience of the fishing community. If you are interested in volunteering to provide data for this project, LGL is now accepting applications for summer 2026 .

"Measuring recreational fishing effort is difficult, and no one method is likely to get the right answer. The approach we're using is to blend smartphone mobility and high-resolution satellite imagery technologies to gather data on fishing activity in a robust, non-biased way that also doesn't require anglers to invest their time in lengthy surveys or reporting."
-Nathan Putman, LGL Senior Scientist

This model will then be applied to a larger database of mobility data. They will filter out non-relevant behaviors to identify which movements are associated with recreational fishing trips across the Gulf and throughout the year. To estimate private angler trips, these mobility trends will then be calibrated using high-resolution satellite imagery. By capturing snapshots of the Gulf from space, vessel activity can be identified across thousands of square kilometers.

This fishery-independent approach means data collection for this project won't interrupt your day on the water with the use of surveys or manual check-ins. It will ensure that when we talk about fishing effort, the numbers are backed by the best technology available.

What This Means for Recreational Anglers

These initiatives are designed to bridge the gap between complex science and the everyday experience of the recreational angler. By leveraging high-tech and real-time data in addition to traditional survey methods, they offer several direct benefits to the fishing community in the Southeast. By integrating AI-driven video, automated systems, and satellite imagery, scientists can significantly shorten the timelines required to analyze fish populations. This technological leap allows management decisions to keep pace with the real-time health of the Gulf. Ultimately, this level of clarity enables more dynamic management decisions for species like red snapper.

Additionally, projects will also help accelerate the Recreational Angler Partnership Improvement Directive which we launched in early 2026. It serves as the transformation stage to increase data collection capabilities and strengthen our partnerships to modernize our recreational data collection enterprise. It is designed to use partner and state-led data innovations like these.

More Information

NOAA Fisheries Red Snapper Data Improvement Efforts

Red Snapper Species Profile