MS HB453

Authorizes the Commission on Marine Resources to open legal shrimping areas with shrimp counts greater than 68 per pound when an imminent natural or man-made disaster threatens the shrimp fishery.

Maintains existing shrimp season opening date of the first Wednesday of June, with season closure from January 1 until opening in most areas and from May 1 in areas south of the intercoastal waterway.

Preserves the Commission's existing authority to close designated areas where shrimp count exceeds 68 per pound and to open seasons at earlier or later dates in designated areas based on sampling.

Defines protective and staging areas for young shrimp that remain permanently closed to commercial and recreational shrimping activities, with specific geographic boundaries described by reference points and beacons.

Effective date of July 1, 2012.