2015-16 Guide to Mississppi Saltwater Fishing

8/15/2019 2015-16 Guide to Mississppi Saltwater Fishing

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Guide toMississippiSaltwater

FishingMississippi Department of Marine Resources1141 Bayview Ave., Biloxi, MS 39530228-374-5000www.dmr.ms.gov

ILLUSTRATIONS by Joe Jewell ©, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.

Each year, the cover of “Guide to Mississippi Saltwater Fishing: Rules and Regula ons”highlights a di erent Fisheries bureau within MDMR.

The 2015-2016 cover represents the Ar cial Reef Bureau.

This public document is not for sale , and all rights to the publica on arereserved to the MDMR. Copies may be made for educa onal purposes only.

Printed on recycled paper 2015-2016Mississippi Department

of Marine Resources

Rules andRegulations

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Coastal Resources...

Yours to Treasure. Yours to Protect.Your purchase of a shing license supports research and restora on

that enhances shing opportuni es in coastal Mississippi.

State of MississippiThe Honorable Phil Bryant, Governor

Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources

Richard Gollo – Chairman Commercial Seafood Processor Harrison CountyShelby Drummond – Vice Chairman Recrea onal Fisherman Jackson County

Steve Bosarge Commercial FishermanJackson CountyErnie Zimmerman Nonpro t EnvironmentalHancock County Organiza onRon Harmon Charter Boat OperatorHarrison CountyMississippi Department of Marine Resources Jamie M. Miller, Execu ve Director

Printed July 2015

For more informa on, contact the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, 1141Bayview Ave., Biloxi, MS 39530, 228-374-5000.Visit our website: dmr.ms.gov.

The informa on provided in this guide is an overview of regula ons in e ect as of July 1,2015, concerning saltwater shing in Mississippi’s marine waters prepared in accordancewith Mississippi Code Annotated §49-15-18. However, this guide is not, nor is it intended tobe, a de ni ve publica on of all regula ons pertaining to saltwater shing in Mississippi.Complete texts of all regula ons and statutes are available at the Mississippi Departmentof Marine Resources’ o ce and website. While every e ort has been made to ensurethe accuracy of the informa on contained in this guide, readers are reminded that inthe event of a con ict between state statute and CMR regula ons, state statute will takeprecedence. If you are shing in another state or in federal waters, please consult shingregula ons that would be applicable. Readers are further reminded that all regula onsare subject to change.

Federal regula ons may di er from state regula ons. For federal regula ons, contactthe Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council at 888-833-1844 or gulfcouncil.org.

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council o ers a free shing regula ons App forthe Android and the iPhone. The Apps provide immediate access to the most up-to-datecommercial and recrea onal federal shing regula ons for species managed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. Visit the App Store or Android Market to downloadthe App or simply scan the appropriate QR code below with your iPhone or Droid.

iPhone Droid

Mississippi Department of Marine Resources

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Table of ContentsFISHING AND BOAT LICENSES ............................................................................... 2

LICENSE FEES ........................................................................................................ 3

RECREATIONAL FISHING LIMITS ............................................................................ 4

COMMERCIAL FISHING LIMITS ............................................................................. 6

CATCH AND RELEASE ............................................................................................ 7

SHARKS ................................................................................................................. 8

Recrea onal & Commercial Shark Limits Common Sharks in Mississippi WatersSALTWATER FINFISH ........................................................................................... 12 Methods of Taking Special Provisions Ven ng Regula ons Catch Restric ons Common Fin sh in Mississippi WatersRECREATIONAL FISHING ..................................................................................... 18

Special Provisions Charter and Head BoatsMISSISSIPPI SPORTFISHING RECORDS ................................................................ 20SHRIMP ............................................................................................................... 21 Commercial & Recrea onal Methods of Taking Restricted Areas Season Legal Size

Special Provisions Live-Bait ShrimpingOYSTERS .............................................................................................................. 24

Methods of Taking De ni ons to Know Oyster Reefs Special Provisions Seasons Le gal Size & Catch LimitsCRABS ................................................................................................................. 28

Methods of Taking Special Provisions Commercial & Recrea onal Diamondback TerrapinsMENHADEN ........................................................................................................ 30

DATA REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 30PROTECTED SPECIES ........................................................................................... 31MARINE LITTER ................................................................................................... 33

Marine Li er Regula on & Excep ons Penal es

Mississippi Coastal Cleanup Mississippi Mono lament Recycling ProgramINVASIVE SPECIES ............................................................................................... 35GENERAL PENALTIES/LICENSE SALES .................................................................. 36

Artwork by Joe Jewell ©

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Fishing and Boat LicensesFISHING LICENSESA Mississippi saltwater shing license is required for anyone to harvest sh incoastal and marine waters (Miss Code Ann. Sec on 49-15-313) of this state except:• Any person under the age of 16.• Residents who have been declared by the Veterans Administra on as havinga total service-connected disability or have been declared totally disabled bythe Social Security Administra on. Proof is required.

Residents 65 years of age or older are required to purchase a life merecrea onal saltwater shing license for a one- me fee.

A saltwater shing license is required to sh south of Highway 90. AboveHighway 90 and below Interstate 10, either a saltwater or freshwater licensewill su ce, and above I-10, a freshwater license is required.

OTHER RECREATIONAL LICENSESThe above exemp ons apply for recrea onal crab, shrimp and oyster licenses,but only to vessels registered in the exempt resident’s name.

Anyone exempt from these license requirements must have a valid driver’slicense and proof of service-connected or Social Security disability, if

applicable, in his possession while shing.Temporary residents sta oned at a Mississippi military base can use a militaryI.D. to purchase a resident shing license.

Free shing days – Anyone may sh without a recrea onal saltwater shinglicense in state marine waters, which are waters south of I-10, on the rstweekend of Na onal Fishing and Boa ng Week in June and on July 4 .

Saltwater spor ishing, recrea onal shrimping and recrea onal crabbing

licenses expire one (1) year a er date of sale.

All commercial boats, whether resident or nonresident, shing for shrimp,oysters, crabs or n sh (with gill net, trammel net or similar approved nets)within the territorial waters of the State of Mississippi are required to belicensed as described herein.

All commercial seafood licenses expire April 30 of each year.

BOAT LICENSESProof of residence must be shown, along with valid boat registra on/documenta on before any license can be purchased. Proof can be a validdriver’s license, homestead exemp on, voter’s registra on card or a Mississippistate tax return.

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TYPE OF LICENSE RESIDENT LICENSE FEESSHRIMPRecrea onal $15

Shrimp/Captain Under 30’ Boat $60Shrimp/Captain 30’ to 45’ Boat $85Shrimp/Captain Over 45’ Boat $110Mississippi Captain’s License $10

CRABCommercial Crab Trawl $75Commercial Crab Trap $75Recrea onal Crab Trap $5

FISHRecrea onal Saltwater Fishing License* $12.29 **Fishing Boat License/Gill & Trammel Net $100Charter Boat $200Commercial Hook and Line/Gig per Vessel $100Commercial Hook and Line/Gig per Fisherman $100Menhaden Boat/Net $150Life me License (for 65 and older)*** $7.29

OYSTERRecrea onal $10Commercial Tonging**** $60Commercial Dredging**** $110

LIVE BAITLive-bait Shrimp Dealer $50Live-bait Shrimp Boat $100Saltwater Minnow ***** $50

BUSINESS LICENSEInterstate Commerce $20Seafood Dealer/Processor****** $100Menhaden Processor $500Seafood Transport License $100Fresh Product Permit No Charge

License Fees

*Valid for recrea onal methods of taking n sh south of U.S. Interstate 10.**License fee of $10 plus $2.29 processing and agent fees.***Residents 65 years of age or older are required to purchase a life me recrea onalsaltwater shing license for a small one- me fee of $5 plus $2.29 processing and agent fees.****A valid MS Shell sh Educa on Course cer cate must be presented by the businessrepresenta ve at me of license purchase.*****In order to catch or transport saltwater minnows for sale, shermen must obtain asaltwater minnow license (see p. 13).******A valid MS Oyster Harvester Educa on cer cate must be presented by the boatowner at me of license purchase.

Each seafood dealer/processor is required to complete Mississippi trip ckets providedby the MDMR. Commercial shermen who land and sell their catch to anyone excepta licensed Mississippi dealer/processor are required to complete trip ckets and be inpossession of a fresh product permit.

License fees for nonresidents may vary. Call the MDMR at 228-374-5000 for current license fees ifyou are a nonresident.

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Recrea onal Fishing Limits *

* It is illegal to sell any seafood taken with a recrea onal license.**Range represents minimum and maximum lengths.***Recrea onal shermen may possess one (1) per vessel within four- sh aggregate.****Recrea onal shermen may possess two (2) within four- sh aggregate.w Recrea onal shermen may retain only one red drum over 30 inches.www For openings and closings of federally regulated sh go to www.gulfcouncil.org.TL = TOTAL LENGTH Straight line distance from p of snout to p of tail.

FL = FORK LENGTH Straight line distance from p of snout to fork of tail.CFL = CURVED FORK LENGTH Tip of the upper jaw to the fork of tail measured along the contour of the middle of the body.Note: Fishing seasons for some species may be closed by order of the Commission onMarine Resources. Advance no ce of such closures shall be given. Species caught out oftheir natural habitat may have size, creel and seasonal limits.

*Bag/Possession are per person unlessstated otherwise.

Minimum Length in Inches

Number of FishBag/Possession

COBIA 33 FL 2

FLOUNDER 12 TL 15RED DRUMw 18 TL to 30 TL** 3SPOTTED SEATROUT 13 TL 15KING MACKEREL www 24 FL 2

SPANISH MACKERELwww No Limit 15TRIPLETAIL 18 TL 3VERMILLION SNAPPERwww 10 TL

20

(in aggregate)

LANE SNAPPERwww 8 TLGRAY TRIGGERFISH www 14 FL

ALMACO JACK www No LimitGOLDFACE TIL EFISH www No LimitANCHOR TILEFISH www No LimitTILEFISH www No LimitBLACKLINE TILEFISH www No LimitBLUELINE TILEFISHwww No LimitGOLIATH GROUPERwww No Take No TakeNASSAU GROUPERwww No Take No TakeWARSAW GROUPERwww No Limit 1 per vessel***

RED & YELLOWFIN GROUPERSwww

20 TL4

(in aggregate)BLACK GROUPERwww 24 TLGAG www 22 TL ****SCAMPwww 16 TLSPECKLED HINDwww No Limit 1 per vessel***RED SNAPPERwww 16 TL 2GRAY, SCHOOLMASTER,

12 TL

10

(in aggregate)

CUBERA, DOG, MAHOGANY & YELLOWTAIL SNAPPERSwww

MUTTON SNAPPERwww

16 TLQUEEN, BLACKFIN,

No Limit SILK & WENCHMAN SNAPPERSwww

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Recrea onal Fishing Limits *

Federal regula ons may di er from state regula ons. For federal regula ons, contact theGulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council at 888-833-1844 or www.gulfcouncil.org.

*It is illegal to sell any seafood taken with a recrea onal license.**Range represents minimum and maximum lengths.***As measured from the p of one lateral spine across the back of the shell to the p of the opposite lateral spine.****Recrea onal shermen may possess two (2) within four- sh aggregate.ww Possession of certain coastal sharks is prohibited. See p. 8 and federal regula ons formore informa on.www For openings and closings of federally regulated sh go to www.gulfcouncil.org.Blue n tuna limits are variable throughout the season and depend on the size category.Refer to www.nmfspermits.com or call 888-872-8862 for updated informa on. All blue-

n catches must be reported to the MDMR O ce of Marine Fisheries, 1141 BayviewAve., Biloxi, MS 39530, or call 228-374-5000.

LOWER JAWFORK LENGTH

HOW TO MEASURE FISH TL = TOTAL LENGTH

FL = FORK LENGTH

©

*Bag/Possession are per person unlessstated otherwise.



YELLOWMOUTH, YELLOWEDGE, MISTY & SNOWY GROUPERS

No Limit 4 (in aggregate)**

ROCK & RED HIND GROUPERS No Limit 4 (in aggregate)**

GREATER AMBERJACK www 30 FL 1

LESSER AMBERJACK14 FL to 22 FL**

5

in aggregate) & BANDED RUDDERFISHwww

HOGFISH www 12 FL 5

BIGEYE TUNAwww 27 CFL No LimitYELLOWFIN TUNAwww 27 CFL 3BLUE MARLINwww 99 lower jaw FL No LimitWHITE MARLINwww 66 lower jaw FL No LimitSAILFISH www 63 lower jaw FL No LimitLONGBILL SPEARFISHwww No Take No TakeSHARKS LARGE COASTALS

37 TL 1 per person/

up to 3 per vessel & PELAGICSww / www

SHARKS SMALL COASTALSww / www 25 TL 4CRABS HARD SHELLS 5 *** No Limit

CRABS SOFT SHELL No Limit No Limit

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COBIA w 33 FL 2

MULLET 10 TL No LimitFLOUNDER 12 TL Quota***RED DRUMww 18 TL to 30 TL* Quota***SPOTTED SEATROUT 14 TL Quota***KING MACKEREL 24 FL 3,000 lbsSPANISH MACKEREL 14 FL No LimitGOLIATH GROUPER No Take No TakeNASSAU GROUPER No Take No TakeRED GROUPER 18 TL

No LimitYELLOWFIN GROUPER 20 TLGAG GROUPER 22 TLBLACK GROUPER 24 TL No LimitSCAMP 16 TL No LimitTRIPLETAIL 18 TL 3RED SNAPPER 13 TL ** IFQ**VERMILLION SNAPPER 10 TL No LimitLANE SNAPPER 8 TL No LimitGRAY TRIGGERFISH 14 FL No LimitG RAY, SCHOOLMASTER,

12 TL No Limit CUBERA, DOG, MAHOGANY & YELLOWTAIL SNAPPERSMUTTON SNAPPER 16 TL No LimitGREATER AMBERJACK 36 FL No LimitLESSER AMBERJACK 14 FL to 22 FL* No Limit & BANDED RUDDERFISHHOGFIS H 12 FL No LimitBIGEYE TUNA 27 CFL No LimitBLUEFIN TUNA No Take No TakeYELLOWFIN TUNA 27 CFL No LimitBLUE MARLIN No Take No TakeWHITE MARLIN No Take No TakeSAILFISH No Take No TakeLONGBILL SPEARFISH No Take No TakeC RABS HARD SHELLS 5**** No LimitCRABS SOFT SHELL No Limit No Limit

Commercial Fishing Limits

w It is illegal to sell cobia caught in Mississippi territorial waters or cobia landed in Mississippi.ww Commercial shermen may retain only one red drum over 30 inches.*Range represents minimum and maximum lengths.**It is illegal to sell, barter or trade any species of reef sh without possessing the proper federal permitsand/or licenses required by the NOAA Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan and complying withany other condi ons set forth by federal or state regula ons for the management of the iden ed reef sh.IFQ = Individual Fishing Quota.***The season for ounder and red drum will run from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 each year. The season for spot-ted sea-trout will run from Feb. 1 through Sept. 30 each year. Total allowable catch (TAC) limits are 74,000pounds for ounder, 50,000 pounds for red drum and 50,000 pounds for spo ed seatrout. The commercial TACfor spo ed seatrout is 50,000 pounds, which is divided into two shing periods. For more informa on on thecommercial spo ed seatrout season, see page 15. When landing reports, as required by law, show the TAC hasbeen reached for a given species, MDMR will, with adequate no ce, issue a news release and public no ceclosing state waters to commercial shing for that species for the remainder of that shing year.Federal regula ons may di er from state regula ons. For federal regula ons, contact the Gulf of MexicoFishery Management Council at 888-833-1844 or gulfcouncil.org.****As measured from p of one lateral spine across the back of the shell to p of opposite lateral spine.

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The numerous shark species are divided into three management groups:

I. LARGE COASTAL SHARKSsandbar** Carcharhinus plumbeusblack p Carcharhinus limbatusdusky* Carcharhinus obscurusspinner Carcharhinus brevipinnasilky* Carcharhinus falciformisbull Carcharhinus leucasbignose* Carcharhinus al musnarrowtooth* Carcharhinus brachyurusGalapagos* Carcharhinus galapagensisnight* Carcharhinus signatusCaribbean reef* Carcharhinus perezi

ger Galeocerdo cuvier lemon Negaprion brevirostrissand ger* Odontaspis taurusbigeye sand ger* Odontaspis noronhai nurse Ginglymostoma cirratumscalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini great hammerhead Sphyrna mokarransmooth hammerhead Sphyrna zygaenawhale* Rhincodon typusbasking* Cetorhinus maximuswhite* Carcharodon carcharia s

II. SMALL COASTAL SHARKSAtlan c sharpnose Rhizoprionodon terraenovaeCaribbean sharpnose* Rhizoprionodon porosus

netooth Carcharhinus isodonblacknose Carcharhinus acronotussmalltail* Carcharhinus porosusbonnethead Sphyrna buroAtlan c angel* Squa na dumeril

*Possession of these species is prohibited by state regula on and federal law.

**Sandbar sharks may only be possessed by shermen possessing a research

shery permit issued by the Na onal Marine Fisheries Service.

Sharks

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III. PELAGIC SHARKSshor in mako Isurus oxyrinchuslong n mako* Isurus paucusporbeagle Lamna nasus

thresher Alopias vulpinusbigeye thresher* Alopias superciliosusblue Prionace glaucaoceanic white p Carcharhinus longimanussevengill* Heptranchias perlosixgill* Hexanchus griseusbigeye sixgill* Hexanchus vitulus

*Possession of these species is prohibited.

RECREATIONAL SHARK LIMITSRecrea onal shermen may possess no more than one of the large coastaland pelagic shark species per person and no more than three of the largecoastal and pelagic shark species per vessel in state waters.

The minimum size limit for large coastal sharks is 37 inches total length in state waters.

Of the small coastal shark species group, recrea onal shermen may possessfour sharks per person per day in state waters.

The minimum size limit for small coastal sharks is 25 inches total length in state waters.

COMMERCIAL SHARK LIMITSAll shark species are under federal quotas.

The prac ce of nning, which is removing only the ns and returning theremainder of the shark to the sea, is illegal.

©

2nd Dorsal FinFree Rear Tip

2nd DorsalFin Origin

InterdorsalRidge

1st Dorsal Fin Origin

Pectoral Fin Rear Margin Pelvic Fin Anal Fin

Caudal Keel

1st Dorsal Fin

Snout

Caudal Fin

Claspers(males only)

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Common Sharks in Mississippi Waters

As the name indicates, this shark’s ns are pped in black except for the anal n.It is a medium-size shark, but can reach lengths of 9 feet. This shark is very ac vewhen hooked and will jump out of the water.

Black p SharkCarcharhinus limbatus

©

One of the largest sharks commonly found in inshore waters, it can reach lengthsof greater than 10 feet. One of the few sharks that regularly move into fresh water.The most dis nguishing characteris c of this shark is its large robust body. Thisshark is also characterized by a short snout that is blunt and rounded.

Bull SharkCarcharhinus leucas

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Common Sharks in Mississippi Waters

The spinner shark gets its name from a behavior where it leaps out of the waterand spins in midair. It is very similar to the black p shark, but all its ns are black-

pped, including the anal n. It can reach lengths up to 9 feet and is extremelyac ve when hooked.

Spinner Shark Carcharhinus brevipinna

©

The most common shark in Mississippi coastal waters, this shark rarely exceeds 4 feet in length. It is characterized by a slender build and white blotches on the body.The origin of the second dorsal n is about mid-base of the anal n. These sharks arealso called “wormies” by coastal shermen.

Atlan c Sharpnose SharkRhizoprionodon terraenovae

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METHODS OF TAKINGA Recrea onal Fishing license is required for all methods of n sh harvest.

Saltwater n sh may be taken from Mississippi waters by any of the followingmethods:

• Hook and line: Cane pole, handline or rod and reel.• Trotline: Anyone trotline shing south of Interstate 10 must be registered

with MDMR and be issued a unique number that is to be a ached, along withsherman’s name, to both ends of trotline on metal tags, wri en in indelible ink

so that it is readable by MDMR personnel.• Spear or gig.• Cast nets and brill (brail) nets: Not to exceed 12 feet in radius, may be used in

marine waters only. No freshwater species may be in a sherman’s possessionwhile he is using a cast net or brill net.

• Small-mesh beach seines under 100 feet in length and with a maximum1/4-inch-square mesh size.

• Trammel or gill nets, seines or any similar contrivance must be under 1,200feet in total length. Gill and trammel nets must have a minimum 1-1/2-inch-square mesh size. From Oct. 15 through Dec. 15 of each year, gill and trammelnets must have a minimum square-inch mesh size of 1-3/4 inches. Gill andtrammel nets must be made of MDMR-approved degradable materials.

• Permi ed eel traps must have a minimum of 1/2- by 1-inch-square mesh size.

SPECIAL PROVISIONSCommercial shing is prohibited north of the CSX Railroad bridge in the threecoastal coun es of Mississippi.

In addi on, the Na onal Park Service prohibits commercial shing within theGulf Islands Na onal Seashore boundary, which is a one-mile perimeter aroundShip, Horn and Pe t Bois islands.

Any person or company selling or transpor ng for sale any species of sh thatdoes not meet Mississippi state size limits or for which the season is closed mustpossess valid documenta on from the state or country of origin evidencing thatthe sh were legally harvested.

Commercial eel permit: A special permit and regula ons for commercial eelshing must be obtained from the MDMR.

All sh traps or pots and eel traps or pots must be clearly marked with theowner’s full name, permit or license number. All sh traps or pots and eel traps

or pots must be checked and emp ed at least once every 48 hours.It shall be unlawful for commercial or recrea onal shermen to possess sh withheads, tails or esh removed un l delivered to nal des na on; however, shmay be scaled or have gills removed. (see pg. 19 for charter boats)

Saltwater Fin sh

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Saltwater minnow license: In order to catch or transport saltwater minnowsfor sale, shermen must obtain a saltwater minnow license (see license feespg. 3).

All minnow traps placed in or on the marine waters of Mississippi must have acorrosion-resistant metal or plas c tag permanently a ached to the trap andstamped with the licensed owner’s full name. The minimum height of the le ers shall be at least 3/16 of an inch.

The possession of a gill net, trammel net or like contrivance , or any otherequipment prohibited for use in the taking or harves ng of seafood on a vesselon the marine waters of this state where the use of the net, contrivance orequipment is prohibited, shall cons tute prima facie evidence that an o ensehas been commi ed to take or harvest seafood with nets, contrivances or

equipment prohibited by this chapter, unless the vessel is:(a) Anchored or moored at a permanent facility intended for the mooring

of vessels;(b) Traveling directly between a marina, harbor or public boat launching

facility and a U.S. Coast Guard marked and maintained naviga on channel; OR

(c) Traveling within a U.S. Coast Guard marked and maintained naviga onchannel.

The use of gill or trammel nets is prohibited within 1/2 mile of the shoreline.All nets, regardless of type, must be clearly marked with the owner’s name orlicense number. Floats or buoys must be placed at intervals of 100 feet or less.

N ets, seines or any like contrivance are not permi ed in the following areas:Within any river, bayou, creek, canal, stream, tributary, lake, bay, inlet or otherwater source entering into salt waters, except:

• Point Aux Chenes Bay.• Middle Bay - Jose Bay.

• L’Isle Chaude Bay.• Heron Bay.• South Rigolets.• Biloxi Bay, south of a line between Marsh Point, Ocean Springs and Grand

Bayou, Deer Island.• Pascagoula Bay, south of a line beginning at a point on the shoreline at the

southern terminus of range lines R7W and R6W near Camp Lamo e; thencesoutheasterly along the most direct line to the southernmost point of TwinIslands; thence easterly along the most direct line to the southern point ofRabbit Island; thence easterly along the most direct line to beacon “Occ R 4sec 100 feet” on the eastern side of Northrop Grumman Ship Systems; thencesoutheasterly following the shoreline of the southeasternmost point

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of Northrop Grumman Ship Systems; thence easterly along the most direct lineto the southernmost point of land adjoining the entrance of Yazoo Lake andSouth Rigolets and Biloxi Bay south of a line drawn between Marsh Point andGrand Bayou.

Nets, seines or sh traps used for catching sh are not permi ed within 1,200feet of any pier or harbor. Nets, seines or sh traps are not permi ed within 100feet of the mouth of any bay, bayou, creek, canal, stream, lake, inlet, channelor tributary or within any area that would block the mouth of any such body ofwater. ( Please note: gill and trammel nets are prohibited within 1/2 mile of theshoreline. )

Purse seines may not exceed 1,500 feet in length, except those used expressly tocatch menhaden. Menhaden purse seines must have a mesh size no smaller than1/2-inch square (1-inch stretch).

REEF FISH REGULATIONSAll shermen shing for reef-associated species (snappers, groupers, trigger shand amberjack) must possess and u lize the tools described below:

Dehooking tool: The hook removal device is required to be constructed toallow the hook to be secured and the barb shielded without re-engaging duringthe removal process. This requires the dehooking end to be blunt, and all edgesrounded. The device must be of a size appropriate to secure the range of hooksizes and styles used in the reef- sh shery.

Hooks: NON-stainless steel circle hooks are required when using natural baitswhile shing for all reef species including red snapper.

©

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CATCH RESTRICTIONSKing mackerel shing is de ned as a shing ac vity in which the sole purposeis to catch king mackerel. Catching in excess of 10 percent by weight of speciesother than king mackerel while net shing for king mackerel is prohibited.

Mullet shing is de ned as any net- shing ac vity in which 90 percent or moreof the total catch by weight consists of mullet. Mullet shing using traps, seinesor nets other than cast or brill nets is not permi ed within 1,200 feet of anypublic or hotel pier nor within 300 feet of any private pier, provided that suchpiers are in usable condi on and extend 75 feet or more from the shoreline.Nets must not exceed 1,200 feet in length.

The commercial season will run from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 each year. Total allowable catch

(TAC) limits for the 2015 season and each following will be 74,000 pounds for ounder,50,000 pounds for red drum and 50,000 for spo ed seatrout. When landing reports,as required by law, show the TAC has been reached for a given species, MDMR will,with adequate no ce, issue a news release and public no ce closing state waters to commercial shing for that species for the remainder of that shing year.

If the first half of the commercial TAC is not met in the first time period(Feb. 1 - May 31) the extra poundage shall be added to the second me period(June 1 - Sept. 30). If however the 25,000-pound TAC is exceeded, the overage

shall be subtracted from the second me period (June 1 - Sept. 30).Purse seines may not be used to catch in excess of 5 percent by weight in anysingle set of the net, any of the following shes:

• Blue sh • King mackerel• Cobia (ling or lemon sh) • Pompano• Dolphin • Spanish mackerel• Jack crevalle • Spo ed seatrout (speckled trout)

It also is illegal for any vessel carrying a purse seine to have on board in excessof 10 percent by weight of the total catch any of the aforemen oned species.

It is further illegal for any vessel carrying a purse seine to have on board anyquan ty of red drum (red sh).

Commercial shermen may retain two cobia per person for personalconsump on.

It is illegal to sell cobia caught in Mississippi territorial waters or landed inMississippi.

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Red SnapperLutjanus campechanus

MulletMugil cephalus

Lane SnapperLutjanus synagris

Red DrumSciaenops ocellatus

Gray Snapper (Mangrove)Lutjanus griseus

Vermillion Snapper (Beeliner)Rhomboplites auroruben s

Abounding around the offshore artificial reefsand other bo om obstruc ons, the red snapperis a coveted food sh along the Gulf Coast. Thesebrilliantly colored sh are dis nguished by theirred colora on and reef-dwelling habits. Snapperare typically caught on heavy tackle, using cut shfor bait. Please be aware, juveniles will have a darkspot below the dorsal n.

Both striped and white mullet are called “BiloxiBacon” along the Mississippi Gulf Coast as thisspecies is a staple for subsistence shermen and

a principal prey species for larger sh. Mullet aremost commonly taken using cast nets. Hook-and- line shermen can catch these sh with very smallhooks and doughball baits.

The color pa ern of this snapper makes it easy to dis nguish from the other snappers that occuralong the Mississippi Gulf Coast. They are a red colorwith 8 to 10 yellow/gold horizontal stripes alongthe sides and a black spot beneath the dorsal n.This species is less abundant than either the red orvermillion snappers.

Redfish are another favorite species of local anglers. These bruisers can get upwards of 30pounds. Feeding habits are intermediate betweentheir cousins, the bo om-feeding black drum and the more surface-feeding spo ed seatrout. Bluecrabs and gold spoons are among the best bait to

use for catching red sh.

This small snapper is commonly found inshore congrega ng around seagrass beds, rocky areas andpiers. This species is o en found in mixed schoolswith pin sh and pig sh. As they grow larger theymove o shore over hard bo oms and can be caughtaround ar cial reefs.

This snapper is bright red in color and its body shapeis narrower than that of the red snapper. Vermillionsnapper are small snapper which are found in thesame habitat as red snapper and caught on the sametype of baits.

Common Fin sh in Mississippi Waters

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King MackerelScomberomorus cavalla

GagMycteroperca microlepis

Spanish MackerelScomberomorus maculatus

CobiaRachycentron canadum

Kings are constantly on the move and migratealong the en re northern Gulf of Mexico, where

they may congregate around oil rigs, offshorewrecks and shoalwater. King mackerel in excess of60 pounds are taken each year by shermen whotroll and cast for them as far south as the mouthof the Mississippi River.

During the summer months when the watertemperatures increase along the coast, juvenilegag are often caught by fishermen around rock piles and pilings. The larger adults occuro shore in deeper water, usually over hard bo omsand around some kind of structure.

Spanish mackerel are abundant in the MississippiSound from early summer through midfall. Caughtbest on fast-moving, silvery lures, they form thesummer staple of the charter shery. Care shouldbe taken when removing these toothsome cri ersfrom the hook.

Locally called speckled trout or simply “speck,” thissh is widely sought in coastal waters Gulfwide.

Specks upwards of 5 pounds are not uncommon,but the average school trout will be around a poundor so. Trout can be caught year-round, but springand fall are peak shing mes.

Called lemon sh locally, the cobia is truly a big-game species. Lemon sh up to 100 pounds are

caught annually during the spring run. Lemon shhave a decided preference for congregatingaround buoys, anchored vessels, etc. Live ca ishor white trout are preferred bait, though a jig or feather might also entice a big lemon intostriking.

This sh is generally found around deep wateroil rigs or ar cial reefs. Greater amberjack canreach weights in excess of 100 pounds and can putup an excellent ght when hooked. The greateramberjack is the largest of the four amberjackspecies that occur in the Gulf of Mexico.

Common Fin sh in Mississippi Waters

Spo ed SeatroutCynoscion nebulosus

Greater AmberjackSeriola dumerili

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Recrea onal Fishing

SPECIAL PROVISIONSPlease see the “Fishing Licenses” sec on (pp. 2-3) in the front of this booklet formore informa on on Mississippi recrea onal saltwater spor ishing licenses andMississippi’s free saltwater spor ishing days. A recrea onal saltwater shinglicense is required for all methods of recrea onal n sh harvest.

It shall be unlawful for recrea onal shermen to sell or o er for sale anyseafood caught in or landed in the State of Mississippi, and only licensedcommercial shermen may catch and sell seafood. Furthermore, it shall beunlawful for any person, rm or corpora on to purchase, buy, barter for ortrade for any seafood caught in or landed in the State of Mississippi that was

caught or landed by a recrea onal sherman or that was transported into theState of Mississippi by a recrea onal sherman.

It is lawful for any restaurant to possess, prepare and serve lawfullyrecrea onally caught marine n sh to the persons who caught the n sh(Senate Bill 2068).

Recrea onal shermen not shing in Mississippi waters may transport and landsh that meet the minimum size and creel limits of the waters in which they

were legally caught. Said recrea onal shermen must possess a valid salt-waterspor ishing license as may be required in the waters where the sh werecaught. In the absence of minimum size or creel limits in another jurisdic on,Mississippi law will prevail.

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CHARTER AND HEAD BOATSPersons on a licensed charter boat or head boat may possess a two-day baglimit only when complying with the following condi ons and only for thespecies listed in subsec on H as listed below:

A. Charter boats must be less than 100 gross tons and meet U.S. Coast Guardrequirements to carry six or fewer passengers.

B. Head boats must hold a valid cer cate of inspec on issued by the CoastGuard.

C. The charter boat or head boat must possess a federal reef sh permit ifshing for reef sh or in possession of reef sh in federal waters.

D. The charter boat or head boat must have two Coast Guard-cer ed captains

aboard (as required by Coast Guard regula ons for trips over 12 hours).E. Each person aboard the charter boat or head boat must possess a cer cate

issued in the name of the chartering company, sta ng the me and datethe charter le the dock, and the trip must be in excess of 24 hours.

F. Charter vessel captain and crew are prohibited from keeping a recrea onalbag limit of red snapper.

G. For-hire vessel captains and crew are prohibited from retaining a recrea onalbag limit of greater amberjack.

H. King and Spanish mackerel, snappers (red, vermillion, lane, gray, mu on,yellowtail, schoolmaster, cubera, dog, mahogany, queen, black n, silk andwenchman), groupers (misty, snowy, yellowedge, warsaw, speckled hind,red, yellow n, black, gag, scamp, yellowmouth, rock hind and red hind),hog sh, gray trigger sh, lesser amberjack, banded rudder sh, almaco jack, goldface le sh, anchor le sh, blackline le sh, blueline le sh andgreater amberjack.

Charter and recrea onal shermen shing in the Gulf of Mexico over 24con nuous hours may possess lleted sh in Mississippi waters, if they have

led a oat plan with the MDMR in advance and have a signed copy aboardtheir boats. Float plans are available at the MDMR during regular workinghours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Float plans must be ledand received during these mes, before the boat’s departure on the shing trip.A oat plan does not allow anglers to possess a two-day catch.

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Mississippi Spor ishing RecordsTo qualify for saltwater spor ishing record considera on, anglers mustcomplete an o cial applica on obtained from the MDMR and must abide by thefollowing rules:

1. Fish must be hooked, fought and brought to net or ga by the applicant withno help from any person, except that another person may operate the netor ga . Catches on handlines or other nonspor ng equipment will not beconsidered.

2. a. Conven onal Records: Fish must be legally caught in a spor ng manner on rod,reel and line or pole and line, and hooked with any legal hook or lure.

b. Fly-Fishing Records: Fish must be legally caught using conven onal y- shing tackle. The lure used must be a recognized type of ar cial y. Treble

hooks are prohibited. The use of any other type of lure or natural bait,either singularly or a ached to the y is prohibited. The y used must besubmi ed with the applica on.

3. Two color photographs should be submi ed with each applica on:a. One of angler and sh.b. One showing a clear, close-up side view of the sh.Photos become the property of the MDMR.

4. Fish MUST be weighed on cer ed scales or scales legal for trade, i.e.,grocery store scales, etc. The weighing must take place in the presence of

two witnesses other than the applicant who MUST sign the applica on formor a separate statement a es ng that they witnessed the OFFICIAL weight.NO provision for weight loss will be allowed. The actual weight of the sh ATTHE TIME OF WEIGHING will be the OFFICIAL WEIGHT. It is also desirable toinclude signature(s) on the applica on form of the witness(es), if any, to theactual catching of the sh. Witnesses to the weight and catch CANNOT be thesame persons. Rodeo entries are considered valid and acceptable weights.

5. Length of the sh must be measured in a straight line from the p of the snoutto the p of the tail AND from the p of the snout to the fork of the tail (seediagram on p. 5).

6. Girth of the sh will be measured around the thickest por on of the body.

7. Applica ons for saltwater species SHALL be posi vely iden ed AND veri edby a professional sheries biologist and/or a rodeo weighmaster.

8. Only sh caught in Mississippi waters or sh caught in adjacent waters andlanded in a Mississippi port will be considered.

9. The MDMR reserves the right to further check sh iden ca on orveri ca on of witnesses and to refuse any applica on that is ques onable.It will be considered “just cause” for disquali ca on of current applica onand any previous records established by anyone who knowingly falsi esa Record Applica on. All rules will be strictly adhered to. The decisionof the Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources will be nal.

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ShrimpCOMMERCIAL METHODS OF TAKINGDuring open seasons and in open areas, saltwater shrimp may only be takenwith shrimp trawls, trawls, bu er y nets, skimmer nets, push trawls, beachseines and cast nets. North of the barrier islands (COLREGS demarcation

line) , within the Mississippi Sound, shrimp may only be taken with a single net,no larger than 50 feet along headrope and60 feet along footrope, or not more than twonets, each no larger than 25 feet on headropeand 32 feet on footrope. A test (or try) trawlno longer than 12 feet along headrope and

15 feet along footrope and used with boards not more than 30 inches in length

is permi ed. Trawl doors shall not exceed 8 feet by 43 inches.Licensed shrimp trawlers may keep up to 25 pounds in total of white trout, croaker, blackdrum, ground mullet, ga opsail ca ish and ounder and three dozen blue crabs forpersonal consump on. Non-resident licensed shrimp trawlers may only keep thisallowance if their respec ve state has a reciprocal agreement with Mississippi.

It shall be unlawful to use skimmer trawls or wing nets with a maximum sizegreater than 25 feet on the headrope and 32 feet on the footrope.

All recrea onal and commercial shrimp vessels with a mechanical assistedretrieval system must have a Turtle Excluder Device (TED). Skimmer trawlvessels may use 55-minute tow mes instead of TEDs April 1 to October 31 and75-minute tow me from November 1 to March 31. Contact NOAA 228-762-4591for more informa on on these federal requirements.

RECREATIONAL METHODS OF TAKINGA recrea onal shrimp license is required for shrimp harvest by trawl.Recrea onal shrimp harvest by cast net does not require a recrea onal shinglicense, unless retaining n sh.

Recrea onally harvested shrimp cannot be sold.

All crabs and n sh harvested by recrea onal shermen may be kept forpersonal consump on, but MUST meet minimum size and creel limits.

Cast nets or brill (brail) nets not exceeding 12-feet maximum radius may beused to catch up to 50 pounds of shrimp (heads on) per person, per day forpersonal consump on only in the bays located within and surrounding theci es of Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, Gau er and Pascagoula.

Persons catching shrimp with cast nets or brill nets shall not remove the headsof the shrimp on site.

Small mesh beach seines under 100 feet in length and with a maximum1/4-inch-square mesh size are permi ed.

Holders of a recrea onal shrimp trawling license are limited to the use of asingle net measuring no larger than 16 feet along the headrope.

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RESTRICTED AREASTrawling is not generally permi ed in any area within 1/2 mile of the mainland,except by duly licensed live-bait dealers. Please contact the MDMR for moredetails on closed areas.

Trawling is prohibited north of the Intracoastal Waterway (tugboat channel)star ng at midnight Dec. 31 of each year. The area south of the IntracoastalWaterway (tugboat channel) will be closed to trawling a er April 30 of eachyear and prior to the opening of shrimp season (special extensions may bemade by the Commission on Marine Resources pending sampling ndings).

It shall be unlawful to recrea onally or commercially trawl within theboundaries of the Gulf Islands Na onal Seashore, which is a one-mile perimeteraround Ship, Horn and Pe t Bois islands.

SEASONShrimp season is o cially opened by public no ce at such me that theMDMR’s O ce of Marine Fisheries has determined that the shrimp havereached legal size. As de ned in Miss Code Ann. 49-15-64.1

LEGAL SIZEShrimp smaller in size than 68 count to the pound are not to be taken inMississippi waters, except by licensed live-bait boats. According to ( tle 22) partchapter 5 (106)

SPECIAL PROVISIONSIt is illegal for anyone to drag or pull a trawl or tray net under the water withthe bag ed or un ed within any waters that are closed to shrimping. It also isillegal for anyone to clean nets by pulling them within any waters that are closedto the use of that size, type or number of trawls. Title 22, part 2, ch. 5 (106)

It is illegal to use a saltbox in Mississippi waters in which the salt solu onexceeds 100 parts per thousand salinity.

Commercial shrimpers are permi ed to sell their legally caught shrimp live with“Fresh Product” permit.

For the latest updates on the Mississippi shrimp shery, call the toll-free24-hour Shrimp Informa on Hotline 1-866-We Trawl (866-938-7295).

LIVE-BAIT SHRIMPINGLive-bait catcher boats are prohibited from trawling north of the CSX Railroadbridge in the three coastal coun es of Mississippi.

The live-bait shery is viewed as a service to recrea onal shermen and tothe tourist industry of Mississippi. The special privileges granted and theregula ons imposed are intended to ensure that this service may be performedwith minimal impact on shrimp and sh popula ons.

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Wri en applica on for live-bait licenses must be made to the MississippiCommission on Marine Resources.

Shrimp of 100 count to the pound are the minimum legal size for licensed live-

bait dealers. Live-bait dealers must mark their boats and transport vehicles withthe designa on “LIVE BAIT” in le ers at least 6 inches high on both the portand starboard sides of the vessel and at least 4 inches high on the transportvehicle. The name of the bait camp must be similarly displayed on the boat andtransport vehicle.

Live-bait boats must be equipped to adequately maintain live shrimp onboard. Such boats also are restricted to tows of 25 minutes or less and are notpermi ed to have on board in excess of 30 pounds of dead shrimp at any me.

Live-bait trawling is permi ed only during the hours beginning 30 minutes before sunrise and ending at sunset, then only using a trawl no larger than 16 feet on the headrope and 22 feet on the footrope, except areas west of Bayou Caddy, where trawls may be 25 feet on the headrope and 32 feet on the footrope.Special areas may be opened to live-bait trawling and addi onal restric onsimposed.

Fish caught coincidental to a live-bait opera on may be retained and sold forchum. Fish retained must be of legal commercial size. However, if crabs are

to be kept, the dealer is required to hold a valid Mississippi commercial crablicense.

Live-bait camps must meet the following special requirements:• Each camp must have adequate holding and aera ng systems, which must be

cleaned of dead shrimp at least every 12 hours.• No bulk sales of dead shrimp are permi ed. Dead shrimp may be sold only

with the heads a ached and in containers holding no more than 16 ounces.No more than ve 16-ounce containers may be sold to an individual in oneday.

• Someone must be readily available to serve customers during appropriatehours, and each live-bait dealer applica on must include these hours, at leasteight hours per 24-hour period.

• Loca on of the camp must be accessible to the general public by public roador waters located within the three coastal coun es.

Purchasing dead shrimp in bulk quan es from a live-bait dealer is illegal and

punishable by a $5,000 ne for the rst o ense. Addi onal informa on andregula ons governing live bait are available from the MDMR.

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OystersMETHODS OF TAKINGA recrea onal oyster license is required for all methods of oyster harvest.During open season, oysters may be taken only by hands, tongs and dredges.

Dredges for oystering may not exceed 115 pounds in weight nor may they havean excess of 16 teeth. Teeth on the dredge must be 5 inches or less in length.

Restric ons on the maximum number of dredges carried or the maximumnumber of sacks that may be harvested daily will be established seasonally bythe Commission on Marine Resources.

DEFINITIONS TO KNOW*APPROVED AREAA classi ca on used to iden fy a growing area where harvest for directmarke ng is allowed.

CONDITIONALLY APPROVED AREAA classi ca on used to iden fy a growing area which meets the criteria forthe approved classi ca on except under certain condi ons described in amanagement plan.

RESTRICTED AREA

A classi ca on used to iden fy a growing area where harves ng shall be byspecial license and the shellstock, following harvest, is subjected to a suitableand e ec ve treatment process through relaying or depura on.

PROHIBITED AREAA classi ca on used to iden fy a growing area where the harvest of shellstockfor any purpose, except deple on or gathering of seed aquaculture, is notpermi ed.

*De ni ons from the Na onal Shell sh Sanita on Program’s “ Guide for Control ofMolluscan Shell sh ,” 2015 Revision.

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OYSTER REEFSOysters may be taken only from those waters approved for shell sh harvest bythe Commission on Marine Resources. These area waters are subject to reclass- i ca on.

The harves ng, shucking, processing and sale of oysters must conform to allregula ons speci ed by state statute and in the regula on adopted by theCommission on Marine Resources.

Several natural reefs are located in approved waters. They include:• Southern Por ons of the Pass Marianne Reef • Telegraph Reef • Buoy Reef • Umbrella Reef • Pelican Key Reef • Fletcher’s Key Reef

The major natural oyster reefs known to be located within condi onallyapproved waters include:• Northern Por ons of the Pass Marianne Reef •

St. Joe Reef (St. Joseph’s Point Reef)• Waveland Reef • St. Stanislaus Reef • Square Handkerchief Reef • Henderson Point Reef • Bay St. Louis Reef • Ki wake Reef (Long Beach Reef)•

White House Reef • North and South Rigolets• Middle Bay

Following a rainfall, riverstage or other pollu on event, condi onally approvedreefs and a ected privately leased areas may be temporarily closed to oysteringwhen poor water-quality condi ons exist. Such closures are released to localnewspapers, television and radio media. Per nent informa on about theopening and closing of reefs is available by calling the MDMR toll-free 24-hour

Oyster Informa on Hotline at 228-374-5167 or 800-385-5902. The informa onmay be updated daily during oyster season. Informa on on the current status ofany shell sh growing waters in this state may be obtained from the MDMR.

Oyster Spat

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SPECIAL PROVISIONSBoth recrea onal and commercial oyster harvesters must purchase a licensefrom the MDMR.

Oysters taken from Mississippi waters must be tagged. These tags are issued bythe MDMR at o cially designated check-in, check-out sta ons. These sta onswill be iden ed in the opening order for oyster season. Both commercial andrecrea onal oyster harvesters must check in at the designated check sta onbefore going to reefs and must check out at the same sta on.

Tags are issued at the me of inspec on. Each tag must be completed with the harvester’s name, license/iden ca on number, harvest date, harvest areaand the shell-stock dealer’s name and iden ca on number if the oysters are

to be sold. Tags must be a xed to the sacks with the fasteners provided by theMDMR. All harvesters are required to pay a shell reten on fee to the MDMR onthe day of harvest. Shell reten on fees will be used to further oyster produc onin the state.

Oysters taken from private leases must be so designated by tags indica ng theo cial lease numbers issued by the MDMR.

Oysters taken for personal consump on also must be inspected and a tag willbe issued for each sack. Such tags will iden fy that the contents are not to be

sold.

Each boat or vessel used to harvest or transport shell sh is required to have onboard a func onal, approved marine sanita on device (MSD), portable toilet orother approved sewage disposal receptacle designed to contain human sewage.

Oysters des ned for interstate commerce must originate from a cer ed Mississippi dealer with a xed cooler facility.

Any oysters taken from other than Mississippi waters must be accompanied bya bill of lading indica ng the point of origin.

Oysters harvested outside of Mississippi waters and transported by waterinto the state must apply for a permit issued by the Department of MarineResources and comply with the provisions of the permit.

Between May 1 and Sept. 30, harvest vessels must have an awning or similarcovering above shellstock to provide protec on from the sun.

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SEASONSThe commercial oyster season is regulated by the Commission on MarineResources and no ce thereof will be duly released to local newspapers, radioand television media.

During open season, oysters may be taken only from legal sunrise un l 4:00pm.These mes are subject to change as necessary.

LEGAL SIZE LIMITSOysters taken in Mississippi waters must be at least 3 inches from hinge to bill.At mes, however, the MDMR may adjust this limit upon public no ce to thate ect.

LEGAL CATCH LIMITSRecrea onal catch limits, set by Statute 49-15-46 (4), and commercial catchlimits, set by Statute 49-15-38, are set annually.

American oyster ( Crassostrea virginica )

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METHODS OF TAKINGTradi onal methods of taking crabs:

• Traps (pots)• Handline• Drop net• Dip net

• Trawls

SPECIAL PROVISIONSA recrea onal crab license is required for crab traps only.

It shall be unlawful to have any sponge crabs (egg-bearing crabs) at any me ofyear. All sponge crabs shall immediately be returned to the water alive.

It is illegal to remove crabs from traps or pots for which one is not speci callylicensed. It is illegal to remove crab traps from the water between the hours of1/2 hour a er sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise.

All crabs, except for peeler crabs (those that are about to shed) and so -shell

crabs (those that have recently shed), must be 5 inches or larger as measuredfrom the p of one lateral spine across the back of the shell to the p of theopposite lateral spine. Peeler crabs, if under 5 inches, must be in a separatecontainer during commercial harvest ac vi es.

All crab trap oats must be visibly marked with corresponding commercial orrecrea onal crab license number. In addi on, all crab traps shed from onlyrecrea onal boats must also be marked with the vessel’s registra on number. Acrab trap oat line must be of non- oa ng or weighted material and easily cut

with a knife. All oats must measure 6 inches in diameter. It is illegal to placeany crab trap so that the trap, the trap line or oat is in any navigable waterwayand interferes with normal boat tra c .

All crab traps must be permanently marked for ownership by a corrosion- resistant metal or plas c tag a ached to the trap. The tag must be supplied bythe sherman and must be legibly stamped with license holder’s full name.

To protect overwintering crabs, it is illegal to sh for crabs by any meansbetween Jan. 1 and March 31 each year in the winter crab sanctuary west ofCat Island (see legal descrip on in CMR Title 22 Part 4). Contact the MDMR at228-374-5000 for more informa on or see map at www.dmr.ms.gov/marine-

sheries/shrimp-a-crab.

Crabs

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COMMERCIALCommercial crabbing is prohibited north of the CSX railroad bridge in the 3 coastal coun es of Mississippi. Crabs may be taken by trawl, but thetrawl must not exceed the maximum allowable dimension speci ed under“Methods of Taking” for shrimp (see p. 21) and must comply with all otherregula ons governing the use of a trawl. Crabs incidentally caught in trawlsmust be immediately returned to the water unless the boat operator holdsa valid Mississippi commercial crab license. Licensed shrimp trawlers andlicensed oyster shermen may keep up to three dozen blue crabs for personalconsump on. Licensed commercial crab shermen may register a buoy colorcode with Marine Patrol.

RECREATIONALA recrea onal crab license ($5) is required to catch crabs in traps for personal use(not for sale). The taking of crabs with drop nets is permi ed without a license.

It shall be unlawful for any person recrea onally shing for crabs for personaluse or consump on, by means of crab traps or crab pots, to use in excess ofsix such traps or pots per household. Traps or pots must be marked with theowner’s name, and if traps or pots are being shed from a vessel, the traps orpots must be marked with the vessel’s registra on number. Recrea onal crabtraps are not allowed north of Interstate 10.

DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINSDiamondback terrapins, a type of aqua c turtle, occasionally become trappedin crab traps. If you catch one, please call the Grand Bay Na onal EstuarineResearch Reserve at 228-475-7047. Your help is greatly appreciated in the studyand protec on of this species of concern. Free Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs)for crab traps are available from the MDMR Shrimp and Crab Bureau.Call 228-374-5000 for more informa on.

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Sea turtles inadvertently caught in trawls may appear to be dead, but theEndangered Species Act of 1973 requires that shermen a empt resuscita onof such sea turtles.

• Place the sea turtle on its breastplate (lower shell) and elevate itshindquarters several inches.

• Keep the turtle moist and in the shade. Do not put turtle in a containerwith water.

• Once recovered, release the turtle over the stern of the vessel(with engines in neutral).

How to Avoid Hooking and Entangling a Sea Turtle

• Reuse bait and properly dispose of cleaned sh remains. Dumping baita racts sea turtles to piers.

• Recycle shing line and stash your trash.

• Never feed sea turtles – it is harmful and illegal.

• Use corrodible (non-stainless steel) hooks to reduce injuries to wildlife.

• Reel in your line or change loca on if a sea turtle is near or shows interestin your bait or catch.

•Never cast in the direc on of a sea turtle.

What to Do if You Hook a Sea Turtle

If you catch a sea turtle while shing, immediately call the response teamat 1-888-SOS-DOLPHIN (1-888-767-3657), even if the turtle got away!

While you wait for the response team:

• Do NOT li by the hook or pulling on the line.

• Use a net or li by the sides of the shell to bring the turtle on the pier or land.If no net is available or the turtle is too large, try to walk it to the beach.

• Leave the hook in place as removing it could cause harm.

• Keep the turtle out of direct sunlight, and cover the shell with a damptowel. Do not cover the head.

While Fishing, Help Save Sea Turtles

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Marine Li erThe Marine Li er Act of 1989 prohibits the dumping of wastes, garbage andother debris from vessels and empowers the marine enforcement o cers touphold and enforce the provisions as set forth in the act. U.S. Coast Guardo cers are further authorized to make arrests under federal law.

MARINE LITTER REGULATION• “Vessel” means any boat, barge or other vehicle opera ng in the marine

environment from the largest supertanker to the smallest recrea onal cra .• “Person” means any human individual discharging garbage from land, vessel,

plane or xed or oa ng pla orms.• “Garbage” means all food wastes, but does not include fresh sh or their parts.

It shall be unlawful for any person or vessel to discharge any type of plas cs,including synthe c ropes, shing nets, garbage bags and other garbage, includingpaper products, glass, metal, dunnage, lining and packing materials, into themarine waters of this state.

All marinas and access areas used by vessels shall be required to have properdisposal facili es on site.

All vessels shall have on board a clearly marked closed container for the properdisposal of waste, trash and other garbage. Signage shall be posted on boardno fying passengers and crew that it is unlawful to dispose of waste, trash andother garbage into the marine waters of the State of Mississippi.

“Closed Container” means any sealed and properly labeled receptacle. The sizeand volume of the container shall be determined by the length and purpose ofthe cruise/voyage, the number of passengers and crew on board and the amountof trash or garbage to be generated. Closed containers shall include, but not belimited to, buckets or cans with lids, or water ght garbage bags with appropriate

es. Closed containers shall be clearly and permanently marked TRASH withweather-resistant materials.

This Marine Li er S cker may be obtained free of charge at the MDMR. This s ckeris required to be visibly displayed in allvessels (including personal watercra )within the marine waters of the Stateof Mississippi.

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EXCEPTIONSThe regula ons contained herein shall not apply during the following emergencies:

• Discharges of garbage from a ship for the purpose of securing the safety of aship and those on board or saving life at sea.

• The escape of garbage resul ng from damage to a ship or its equipment, if allreasonable precau ons have been taken before and a er the occurrence ofthe damage to prevent or minimize the escape.

• The accidental loss of synthe c shing nets or the loss of synthe c materialduring repair of nets, provided all reasonable precau ons have been taken toprevent such losses.

• Refuse or other otsam found in nets during trawling ac vi es may legally be

returned to the sea without viola ng these regula ons. Regula ons prohibitthe inten onal discharge of shing nets at sea.

Note that it is illegal to throw trash or allow it to enter into the marine watersof this state from piers, docks, bridges or land.

PENALTIESAny person or vessel convicted of viola ng any provision of these regula onsshall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon convic on shall be punished by

a ne not to exceed $500. Each day of a con nuing viola on cons tutes aseparate viola on. Viola ons of more than one (1) sec on or subsec on ofthese regula ons or parts thereof shall be considered separate o enses andpunished as such.

Any person or vessel convicted of a 2nd or subsequent viola on of anyprovisions of these regula ons shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and uponconvic on shall be punished by a ne not to exceed $10,000.

Any person viola ng federal marine li er laws may receive nes up to $50,000.A provision of the federal law may award a por on of criminal penal es or civil

nes assessed against a viola on to the person who gives informa on thatleads to a convic on or assessment of a penalty.

MISSISSIPPI COASTAL CLEANUPThe Mississippi Coastal Cleanup is held the 3rd Saturday of October as part ofthe Interna onal Coastal Cleanup, during which coastal states and countriesaround the world dedicate the day to ridding the coastline of marine debris.Mississippi has one of the most successful cleanups in the world. Along with

the event, the MDMR promotes marine debris awareness and educa on onpreven on throughout the year. Visit www.mscoastalcleanup.org to nd outhow you can par cipate in the next Coastal Cleanup, the largest event to helpstop marine debris.

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MISSISSIPPI MONOFILAMENT RECYCLING PROGRAMThe MDMR and partners launched the state’s Mono lament Recycling Programin 2008 in an e ort to reduce the amount of shing line in the environment.

Mono lament is a strand of strong, exible plas c used for

shing. The majority is non-degradable in water andlasts about 600 years in the environment.

Fishing line recycling tubes and bins can befound at about 30 piers and harbors across theMississippi Gulf Coast. Carefully disposing of

mono lament in these tubes and bins can helpprevent sh and wildlife entanglements and death,

and the destruc on of boat propellers and intake valves.

For more informa on on the Mississippi Mono lament Recycling Program orfor a list of tube and bin loca ons, go to www.dmr.ms.gov and click on MarineFisheries.

Non-na ve invasive species can harm Mississippi’s natural environments byoutcompe ng na ve animals and plants for food and space. Aqua c plants candegrade water quality, reducing oxygen available to na ve aqua c species.

The impact to shing and hun ng can be substan al. Fish popula ons can bereduced by compe on from non-na ve species and reduced water quality.Invasive aqua c plants can cover the water surface, making shing impossible.Reduced water quality may degrade habitat for other animals as well. Non-na veaqua c plants can clog motor intakes, degrade swimming areas and can evenreduce property values in areas where non-na ve aqua c plants have taken over.

YOU CAN HELP prevent the spread of non-na ve invasive plants and animals by:

• Removing any aqua c plants from boat propellers, intakes, trailers and gearbefore leaving a launch area.

• Never releasing plants, sh or animals into a body of water unless they cameout of that body of water.

• Elimina ng water from equipment before transpor ng.• Blowing out jet-ski intakes and washing boats and equipment land side

before traveling into a new waterway.

For more informa on on invasive aqua c species visit:www.ProtectYourWaters.net

To report invasive species call the MDMR at 228-374-5000.

Invasive Species

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24-Hour License Sales: Call 1-800-5GO-HUNT(1-800-546-4868) or purchase online at www.ms.gov/gf/hun ng.

All licenses may be purchased at the MDMR, Monday - Friday,

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.Recrea onal saltwater shing licenses may be purchased at mostWal-Mart, Kmart, spor ng goods stores, bait shops and shingcamps.

For more informa on contact the MDMR at 228-374-5000.

It is a misdemeanor to violate the Seafood Laws and the rules and regula onsof the Commission on Marine Resources.

Any person, rm or corpora on convicted of viola ng any regula on adoptedby the Commission on Marine Resources shall be ned no less than $100 andno more than $500 for the 1st o ense, unless the 1st o ense is commi edduring a closed season, in which case the ne shall be no less than $500 and nomore than $1,000.

For a 2nd o ense within a period of three (3) years, the ne will be no less than$500 and no more than $1,000.

For any 3rd or subsequent o ense within a period of three (3) years, penal esshall include no less than $2,000 and no more than $4,000, or imprisonmentin the county jail for a period not exceeding 30 days. Upon convic on of a 3rdor subsequent o ense, the court will revoke the right of the person or boat inviola on from taking any seafood from state waters for one (1) year.

In addi on to any other penal es, the Commission on Marine Resources maysuspend the license of any person convicted of a viola on and any vessel usedin the viola on for a period not to exceed ve (5) days for the 1st o ense, and aperiod not to exceed 30 days for the 2nd o ense.

Upon convic on of ve seafood viola ons within a period of ve years, theCommission on Marine Resources may revoke the license of the convictedparty and the vessel used in the o enses, and may prohibit inde nitely theissuance of a license to that person or vessel.

The Commission on Marine Resources is also authorized to imposeadministra ve penal es of not more than $10,000 for each viola on of therules and regula ons of the Commission.

General Penal es

License Sales

www.dmr.ms.gov/licensesor

2015-16 Guide to Mississppi Saltwater Fishing

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Transcript of 2015-16 Guide to Mississppi Saltwater Fishing