AL HB259

Requires the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to establish a commercial paddlefish harvesting season in the Tennessee River and all tributaries from November 20 through April 7 each year, with harvesting permitted at any time day or night.

Authorizes the department to issue up to 60 resident commercial paddlefish licenses at $1,000 each and up to 5 nonresident licenses at reciprocal rates, with current license holders allowed to continue harvesting.

Sets paddlefish size limit at 34 inches measured from eye to fork of tail and permits use of up to 10 gill, hobble, or trammel nets not exceeding 24 feet in depth with minimum 6-inch square mesh.

Allows roe removal from paddlefish at the time of capture and establishes violations as Class C misdemeanors.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.