The South Atlantic Release Rodeo Kicks Off

Each year, the South Atlantic draws millions of fishers to waters where an array of species — from hard-hitting gag groupers to hard-charging red snappers — offer the promise of an unforgettable day. While some of these catches make their way to the cooler, the number of catch-and-release fish in many South Atlantic fisheries is increasing.

These released fish hold valuable information about our fisheries, but information about released fish often slips through the cracks. Fishers hold the key to this crucial knowledge, and The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Release project is partnering with commercial, for-hire, and recreational fishers to bring catch-and-release information to the surface.

SAFMC Release invites fishers to share information about their released shallow water grouper, like gag and scamp, as well as red snapper, by using the free SciFish app. 

“SAFMC Release is designed to fill gaps in the information available on the size of released fish and their likelihood of survival,” says Meg Withers, the citizen science project coordinator for the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. “By submitting your releases to the project, you’re using your expertise to help paint a clearer picture of the snapper grouper fishery and supporting its long-term, informed management.”

Withers says the project has “really grown over the past few years” as more fishers contribute and as partnerships with programs like Sea Grant help it “reach new heights.” 

This includes Sea Grant’s South Atlantic Release Rodeo, a three-month challenge that gives fishers the chance to win prizes by contributing to SAFMC Release. Through July 31, each submission to SAFMC Release that includes a photo of a released fish will earn participants entries into Sea Grant’s monthly and grand prize South Atlantic Release Rodeo giveaways.

Monthly giveaways feature Sea Grant gear bundles with circle hooks and lead weights. The grand prize giveaway includes a kite rod and reel combo, donated by SeaQualizer, and a Turtlebox speaker, donated by Haddrell’s Point Tackle.

Photo submissions that display the fish on a ruler or next to an item of known length double the chance of winning in both giveaways.

Participants can create an SAFMC Release account today for opportunities to win prizes for something many fishers are already doing — releasing fish.

Learn more about the release rodeo here or contact greyson.webb@safmc.

More about SAFMC Release.