MS HB1261

Increases oyster shell retention fees collected by the Commission on Marine Resources from 15 cents to $1.00 per sack for commercial and recreational harvesters paid on day of harvest.

Increases fee for initial oyster processors, dealers, or factories purchasing oysters from 15 cents to $1.00 per sack, due by the tenth day of the following month.

Increases fee for commercial harvesters transporting oysters out of state from 50 cents to $1.50 per sack on day of harvest, in addition to other applicable fees.

Increases fee for commercial harvesters not selling to Mississippi dealers from 15 cents to $1.00 per sack on day of harvest, in addition to other applicable fees.

Shell retention fee revenue is directed to a special State Treasury fund appropriated by the Legislature for oyster production, including plantings of oysters and cultch materials; effective July 1, 2019.