Senate Bill 2544 - Summary

• Establishes the "Oyster Production Preserve Account" within the Seafood Fund for oyster production management, requiring annual legislative reports on expenditures.

• Requires all oyster lease holders to be Mississippi residents and increases initial lease terms from 5 to 15 years with first right of renewal for 15-year periods at the same rental rate.

• Reduces maximum leasable acreage from 3,500 to 2,500 acres total and lowers minimum ground rental from $5 to $3 per acre annually, with rents due by December 31.

• Clarifies that lessees must actively cultivate oysters and submit annual reports; provides procedures for lease application, public notice posting for 30 days, and protest mechanisms through the Secretary of State.

• Repeals provisions relating to tonging reefs and depuration technology pilot programs; establishes reciprocal oyster vessel dredging and tonging fee structures for nonresident vessels based on what other states charge Mississippi vessels.