ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Federal officials are extending the red snapper recreational fishing season for private anglers in the Gulf of Mexico because of Tropical Storm Colin.

NOAA Fisheries announced the extension Wednesday. The private angler component's federal-water fishing season was scheduled to run through Thursday but will now run through Saturday. The agency made the decision following requests from concerned anglers.

This extension applies only to Gulf of Mexico federal waters, which are seaward of 9 nautical miles. Regulations in state waters vary.