MS HB763

Amends Section 49-15-315 of Mississippi Code to revise restrictions on commercial harvesting of crabs, oysters, shrimp, bait shrimp, and saltwater fish in marine waters north of the CSX Bridge and the three coastal counties.

Permits taking euryhaline species of minnow without restriction in the regulated areas.

Allows live bait shrimp harvesting in the West Pascagoula River System Friday-Sunday between sunrise and sunset when opened by department after sampling studies.

Allows live bait shrimp harvesting in the Back Bay of Biloxi between sunrise and noon when opened by department after sampling studies.

Establishes that the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory shall study estuaries and bays deemed to be nurseries and may recommend establishing nursery grounds to protect fishing resources; violations are misdemeanors with fines, up to three months imprisonment, and forfeiture of commercial equipment and boats.