MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2005 Regular Session
To: Ports and Marine Resources
By: Senator(s) Gollott
AN ACT TO PROHIBIT RECREATIONAL FISHERMEN FROM TAKING CERTAIN FISH BELOW MINIMUM LEGAL SIZE AND OVER CREEL LIMITS ESTABLISHED BY THE COMMISSION ON MARINE RESOURCES; TO PROVIDE PENALTIES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) It is unlawful for any recreational fisherman to catch, take, possess or land below minimum legal size or over creel limit as established by regulations issued by the commission of the following: Red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus), misty grouper (Epinephetus mystacinus), snowy grouper (Epinephetus niveatus), yellowedge grouper (Epinephetus flavolimbatus), red grouper (Epinephetus morio), black grouper (Myceteronerca bonaci), gag grouper (Myceteronerca microlepis), scamp (Myceteronerca phenax), yellowmouth (Myceteronerca inaterstitalis), rock hind (Epinephetus adscensionis), and red hind (Epinephetus guttatus).
(2) (a) Any recreational fisherman who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined in the amount of Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) for one (1) fish possessed in violation of this section or commission regulation, and fined Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for every fish over one (1) possessed in violation of this section or regulation.
(b) The captain or owner of a vessel upon which a fish is possessed in violation of this section shall also be fined for such violation.
(3) The fines imposed 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, 2005.