Written by Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation
Recreational fishermen can help secure the long-term sustainability of the Gulf of Mexico’s highly-prized red snapper fishery by using iSnapper, a new mobile application launched May 11.
Created by the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, iSnapper allows anglers to easily and securely report their catch, providing researchers with access to accurate data about how private fishermen are impacting the numbers of the coveted sportfish.
“We’ve created a simple app that takes only minutes to complete,” said Tara Topping, project leader for iSnapper and a research scientist with CSSC. “This is a simple way for anglers to actively participate in data collection — to say, ‘I want to be accountable and provide accurate data. This is what I caught today.’”
The mobile app is available in app stores now for iOS and Android, and will soon be available on Windows.
This year’s red snapper season begins June 1 and will last just 10 days. The data gathered by iSnapper will ultimately provide anglers with a longer season — something desperately needed in this fishery.
“This app is a private recreational angler’s chance to let their voice finally be heard in the red snapper management process,” said Dr. Greg Stunz, Endowed Chair for Fisheries and Ocean Health at HRI and CSSC Director. “With iSnapper, fishermen can make an impact every time they go fishing by providing data.”
