Alabama state waters, out to 3 miles
Not on the MRD creel sheet; Gulf sturgeon (A. oxyrinchus desotoi) is federally threatened and a protected nongame species in Alabama — no harvest.
AL MRD 2026 · checked · likely · the official rulebook is the final word
How to tell it
Rows of bony armor scutes, a shark-like tail, and a vacuum-hose snout with barbels — a dinosaur. More on the Atlantic sturgeon page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep Atlantic sturgeon in Alabama?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Alabama. Release it in the water where you can. Not on the MRD creel sheet; Gulf sturgeon (A. oxyrinchus desotoi) is federally threatened and a protected nongame species in Alabama — no harvest.
How current is this Alabama Atlantic sturgeon rule?
Source: AL MRD 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at an Atlantic sturgeon in Alabama and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the app