Context :

Aims : We present the results of an optical search for supernova remnants ( SNRs ) in the nearby spiral galaxy NGC 2903 .

Methods : Interference filter images and spectral data were taken in March 2005 with the f/7.7 1.5 m Russian Turkish Telescope ( RTT150 ) at TUBITAK National Observatory ( TUG ) .
Spectral data were obtained with the 6 m BTA ( Bolshoi Azimuthal Telescope , Russia ) .
We used the SNR identification criterion that consists of constructing the continuum-subtracted H \alpha and continuum-subtracted [ SII ] \lambda \lambda 6716,6731 images and their ratios .

Results : Five SNR candidates were identified in NGC 2903 with [ SII ] /H \alpha ratios ranging from 0.41 - 0.74 and H \alpha intensities ranging from 9.4 \times 10 ^ { -15 } to 1.7 \times 10 ^ { -14 } ergs cm ^ { -2 } s ^ { -1 } .
This work represents the first identification of SNRs by an optical survey in NGC 2903 .
We present the spectrum of one of the bright candidates and derive an [ SII ] /H \alpha emission line ratio of 0.42 for this source .
In addition , the weak [ OIII ] \lambda 5007/H \beta emission line ratio in the spectrum of this SNR indicates an old oxygen-deficient remnant with a low propagation velocity .

Conclusions :