MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2016 Regular Session

To: Marine Resources

By: Representatives Eure, Bennett

House Bill 815

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-15-41, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE PROHIBITION ON HARVESTING OYSTERS AT NIGHT TO INCLUDE OFF-BOTTOM AQUACULTURE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 49-15-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     49-15-41.  It shall be unlawful for any person to fish, catch or take oysters from * * *any of the oyster reefs in the State the waters of Mississippi * * *by the use of any tongs, dredge, rake or other mechanical device, during the hours between sunset and sunrise of each day.

     Violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine * * *nor not to exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) * * *and/ or * * *up to imprisonment not to exceed one (1) year in the county jail, or both.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2016.

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