MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2003 Regular Session
To: Ports and Marine Resources
By: Senator(s) Gollott, Dawkins
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-15-76, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ALLOW THE SALE OF COBIA CAUGHT IN MISSISSIPPI WATERS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 49-15-76, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
49-15-76. (1) It is unlawful for any person to sell, barter or trade or to offer for sale, barter or trade any game fish enumerated in Chapter 15 of Title 49, Mississippi Code of 1972; except as provided under this section.
(2) Cobia may be sold in this state * * *. Any individual, partnership, corporation or other entity which sells cobia in this state shall maintain documentation showing the state of purchase and date of purchase of cobia for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of purchase of the cobia. The Department of Marine Resources or any other law enforcement agency with which the department has a cooperating agreement may require any seller of cobia to document the date and state of purchase.
(3) Any person who cultivates a game fish as permitted under the Mississippi Aquaculture Act of 1988 may sell the game fish in accordance with the marine aquaculture program.
(4) A person who violates this section shall be punished as provided in Section 49-15-63.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.