Gulf of Mexico red snapper are one of the most economically valuable fish in the Gulf of Mexico. In 2011, commercial fishermen from Gulf states landed more than 3.2 million pounds of Gulf of Mexico red snapper, which sold on the dock for $11.5 million. Gulf of Mexico red snapper are a favorite of recreational fishermen too—that same year, 3.1 million recreational anglers took more than 22 million fishing trips in the Gulf of Mexico targeting Gulf of Mexico red snapper and other fish species. These trips are a major part of the local economy.

Being a popular fish can have its downsides. Gulf of Mexico red snapper went through some tough times in the 1980s when their populations hit a low due to extreme overfishing. Thankfully, smart, science-based fishery management helped put them on the road to recovery. Although their numbers are getting better, they’re not out of the woods yet—management is still a hot topic of discussion.