A new study by researchers at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and University of South Alabama reveals that the common snook is not just a visitor, but a year-long resident in coastal Alabama waters.
In the past, snook distribution was focused on southern Florida and southern Texas because they are not tolerant of colder water temperatures. However, a compilation of more than a decade of snook sightings by Senior Marine Scientist Dr. Charles Martin and his team discovered a growing presence of the prized sportfish in the northern Gulf.
By analyzing nearly half a century of temperature data, researchers found that a milder winter environment allows the cold-sensitive fish to survive. To track this expansion, Dr. Martin and his team combined scientific records with citizen science. The most significant spike in sightings was in 2024 with 81 reports. Snook were found in Alabama during all four seasons, including winter. Then, despite a record-breaking winter in January 2025 that brought heavy snow to the coast, snook were found alive and well in the weeks that followed.
This study found that snook are mainly congregating in the Baldwin County area, including the Magnolia River, Fish River, and Little Lagoon. These places can act as thermal refuges that protect the fish during times when the air is freezing. While snook's presence can offer an exciting new opportunity for tourism and recreational fishing, it also represents a change in the local ecosystem.
In response to the growing population of Snook, Alabama, the state enacted new fishing regulations to ensure that this species is managed sustainably. There is now a one-fish daily limit that includes a 28-inch minimum size.
For future research, Dr. Martin and the team will utilize acoustic telemetry to track movement and investigate how snook interact with the local food webs and resident species.