MS HB1042

Establishes the Shell Recovery and Replenishment Program administered by the Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources to replenish oyster shells harvested from state waters.

Removes the shell retention fee structure and replaces it with a shellfish assessment program requiring commercial processors, dealers, and factories to return up to 30% of harvested oyster shells to approved areas, or alternatively pay a conservation equivalency reimbursement of up to $1.00 per sack.

Creates the "Shell Recovery and Replenishment Program Account" within the Seafood Fund to receive program revenues and funds used exclusively for purchasing, recovering, and replenishing oyster shells to enhance oyster production in Mississippi.

Amends license suspension and penalty provisions to require that violators of the Shell Recovery and Replenishment Program have licenses suspended until full compliance with all program provisions is achieved.

Effective July 1, 2018.