MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Ports and Marine Resources

By: Senator(s) Hewes

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-15-96, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF FISH CAUGHT IN SHRIMP TRAWLS THAT MAY BE KEPT FOR PERSONAL CONSUMPTION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 49-15-96, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

49-15-96. Vessels licensed under Section 49-15-64.5 may keep in whole, for personal consumption only the following types of fish which are caught in the shrimp nets or trawls of the vessel: white trout, * * * croaker, black drum, and ground mullet (sciaenidae family) sheepshead (sparidae family) gafftopsail catfish (ariidae) and flounder (bothidae and pleuronctide families). The cumulative total of fish shall not exceed twenty-five (25) pounds. In addition, a vessel may keep three (3) dozen blue crabs (portunidae family). This exemption for personal consumption does not apply to fish or crabs that are otherwise illegal to possess or catch.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.