MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Game and Fish

By: Representative Pierce

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT COMMERCIAL FISHING IN THE PASCAGOULA RIVER SYSTEM; TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to engage in commercial fishing in any connected or nonconnected oxbow lake or tributary stream of the Pascagoula River where the main channel of the Pascagoula River is bordered by the Upper Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area, the lower Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area or the Ward Bayou Wildlife Management Area.

(2) Any person, firm or corporation that violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for the first offense; not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for the second offense when the second offense is committed within a period of three (3) years after the date on which the first offense was committed; and not less that Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) nor more than Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00), or imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than thirty (30) days for a third or subsequent offense, when that offense is committed within a period of three (3) years after the date on which the first offense was committed.

Any fine or sentence, or both, imposed upon a person for a second, third or subsequent offense under this section shall not be suspended or reduced.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001.