MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2002 Regular Session
To: Ports and Marine Resources
By: Senator(s) Hewes, Gollott
AN ACT TO CREATE CODE SECTION 49-15-84.1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSION ON MARINE RESOURCES TO ESTABLISH A CLOSED SEASON ON THE USE OF CRAB TRAPS; TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSION ON MARINE RESOURCES TO DESIGNATE AS ABANDONED THOSE TRAPS REMAINING IN PUBLIC WATERS DURING THE CLOSED SEASON; TO PROVIDE THAT ABANDONED CRAB TRAPS ARE SUBJECT TO IMMEDIATE REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. The following shall be codified as Section 49-15-84.1, Mississippi Code of 1972:
49-15-84.1. (1) The commission may establish a closed season for the use of crab traps in the public waters of this state. The commission may designate the closed season as not less than ten (10) days nor more than thirty (30) days between January 31 and April 1 in any year so designated by the commission. Any crab trap remaining in the public waters after the expiration to the seventh day of a closed season may be considered as abandoned under the regulations established by the commission.
(2) The commission shall adopt rules to govern the removal and disposal of abandoned crab traps as necessary to enhance:
(a) The conservation and management of crab resources;
(b) Boating safety;
(c) The cleanliness of the beds and bottoms of the public waters of the state; and
(d) Enforcement of this chapter.
(3) Abandoned crab traps are litter and are subject to immediate removal and disposal.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2002.