Alabama is casting a net over saltwater fishing violations with a new program that allows the public to anonymously report such violations via text message.
Launched by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division in mid-November, the program enables cell phone users to text “coastwatch” to the number 847411 to report saltwater fishing violations.
People who witness saltwater fishing violations are encouraged to provide as much information as possible about the violators, such as the name and description of the suspects, a vehicle or boat description, license plate number, boat registration number, time of observation and the area where the violation occurred, according to the Marine Resources.