49-15-100 - Usage of gill or trammel nets in certain marine waters; penalties. - Mississippi Statutes

§ 49-15-100. Usage of gill or trammel nets in certain marine waters; penalties.
 

(1)  It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to set a gill or trammel net in the marine waters of the state north of Highway 90. 

(2) (a)  For a first offense, a violation of this section is punishable by a fine of not less than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00), nor more than Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00) and the department may initiate forfeiture proceedings for the net and catch. For subsequent violations, a person is subject to a fine of not less than Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00), nor more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) and shall forfeit nets and catch. If the person in possession of or using the nets in the violation is not the owner or licensee of the nets, the department shall notify the owner or licensee of the nets. The nets shall be subject to forfeiture unless the nets were stolen and prosecution for the theft is initiated. 

(b) The penalties for a violation of this section shall not be suspended or reduced. 
 

Sources: Laws,  1994, ch. 579, § 3; Laws, 1994 Ex Sess, ch. 28, § 2; Laws, 1997, ch. 601, § 4, eff from and after July 1, 1997.