Story by LSON
A total of 3,000 to 5,000 red snapper swimming in the Gulf of Mexico have been tagged, and the tags are worth $250 each if turned in. Some fish will carry two tags to help researchers learn how many of the tags fall out, making a catch potentially worth $500.
The tagging and rewards are part of a $12 million study called the “Great Red Snapper Count.”
Anglers should look for a tubular tag, about 4 to 5 inches long, with the words, “Reward $250. Keep tag.” Each features a yellow plastic insert with a five-digit tag number starting with the letters RS as well as a phone number to call.
To collect the reward, fisherman will need to report the tag number, plus the fishing port from which they departed, the date the fish was caught, the fish’s length and weight, and the latitude and longitude where it was caught. The tag itself should be mailed in. Once the tag has been snipped, the fish can be released.
