SB455 Summary

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources to establish closed areas for commercial and recreational shrimp harvesting and to provide emergency open and closed seasons due to biological, technical, environmental factors, or public health concerns.

• Maintains minimum weight requirements for commercially harvested shrimp: no more than 68 shrimp with heads attached per pound and no more than 114 headless shrimp per pound.

• Establishes mandatory closure periods: all inside Alabama waters closed May 1-June 1 annually, and Mobile Bay area from Mayday Park to Great Point Clear closed August 15-October 1 annually for both commercial and recreational shrimping.

• Allows shrimp harvested from inland ponds or farms to be processed on-site pursuant to Alabama Department of Public Health rules.

• Establishes violations as Class C misdemeanor punishable by fines of $25-$100 per offense; exempts shrimp used solely as bait from regulations.