Gulf Coast counts on tourism boost after federal officials allow fall fishing of red snapper

Gulf Coast eyes tourism boost from fall fishing

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — The tourism industry along the northern Gulf Coast is betting on red snapper to survive the winter.

In an unusual move, the federal government is allowing autumn fishing of the popular fish, a favorite for anglers who missed nearly an entire summer of saltwater fishing because of the BP oil spill.

In coastal areas hardest-hit by the oil, like Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, the special season is more about tourism dollars than seafood.

Tackle shops, restaurants, hotels and stores that suffered steep declines in revenue are hoping for big boosts from snapper fishing this fall. Alabama tourism director Lee Sentell says tourism is down 10 percent statewide this year, mostly because of a drop in visitors along the coast.