MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2019 Regular Session

To: Marine Resources

By: Representatives Ladner, Barnett, Sykes, Baria, DeLano, Haney, Patterson

House Bill 98

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-15-78, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF A HAUL SEINE NET FOR THE TAKING OF FISH IN MARINE WATERS WITHIN ONE-HALF MILE OF THE SHORELINE OF CAT ISLAND; TO PROVIDE THE DEFINITION FOR THE PHRASE "LIKE CONTRIVANCES"; TO EXEMPT CAST NETS, BRILL NETS AND HAND SEINES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  Section 49-15-78, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     49-15-78.  (1)  (a)  It is unlawful for a person to use a gill net, trammel net, entanglement net, or like contrivances for the taking of * * * fish finfish in marine waters within one-half (1/2) mile of the shoreline.

          (b)  For the purposes of this section, the phrase "like contrivances" means any net that is similar in form, function, purpose or use to a gill net, trammel net, entanglement net.

          (c)  It is unlawful for a person to use a haul seine net for the taking of fish in marine waters within one-half (1/2) mile of the shoreline of Cat Island.

          (d)  The provisions of this section shall not apply to hand seines, cast nets or brill nets.

     (2)  A violation of this section is punishable by the penalties provided in Section 49-15-100 * * *, Mississippi Code of 1972.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.