MS HB1123

Authorizes the Commission on Marine Resources to revoke oyster harvesting licenses upon a third violation within three years, in addition to courts already having this authority

Establishes tiered fines for illegal oyster dredging on designated tonging reefs: $500 for first offense, $1,000 for second offense, and $2,000 for third or subsequent offense within three years

Upon third conviction, both the harvester's license and the vessel's license are revoked for one year, prohibiting seafood harvesting in state waters

Oysters caught illegally by dredging on tonging reefs are declared contraband and must be scattered back onto public reefs under enforcement officer supervision

Effective date: July 1, 2016