Pensacola Bay Red Snapper Tagging Project

Do you fish for red snapper in Pensacola Bay?

A close-up image of a red snapper with a small external red dart tag inserted near its top fin. An inset photo shows the tag close up with a telephone number and tag number printed on the tag.

Please be on the lookout for these dart tags.

FWC biologists have initiated a pilot study to observe movement patterns for red snapper that are captured within Pensacola Bay. Biologists are interested in determining if these fish remain inshore or are actively migrating between inshore and nearshore habitats.

Fish have been tagged with an external dart tag as well as an acoustic transmitter surgically implanted into the fish’s abdomen. Acoustic transmitters are a small, sound-emitting device that acts like an underwater beacon, transmitting unique acoustic signals for up to six years. Acoustic receivers (or listening stations) have been placed underwater throughout the bay and near the pass to track movements of tagged fish.

If you catch a fish with a dart tag:

Take a photo of the fish and a closeup photo of the tag so the unique tag number can be read.
Return the fish to the water.
Call 850-564-2430 or 800-367-4461 to report the tag number, where you caught the fish (e.g. inside the bay or offshore), and receive instructions on how to submit your photos.

If you choose to harvest the fish, please call the number on the tag to return the acoustic transmitter to the biologists.