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Commission approves recommendation to begin notice for fillet‑possession rule amendment
Summary
The commission voted to recommend initiating notice for a rule change that would let charter and recreational boats out more than 24 hours possess fillets aboard while keeping the one‑day possession limit enforcement framework.
Trevor presented proposed amendments to Rule 5.1 that would allow any charter or recreational vessel that remains out more than 24 hours before returning to land (within or outside Mississippi territorial waters) to possess fillets on board, provided vessel possession does not exceed a single‑day possession limit. He said the change simply adds the phrase "within or outside of Mississippi territorial waters" to bring long‑duration trips into alignment with state practice for non‑federal species.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about scenarios such as multi‑day trips and whether federal rules would still apply for federally managed species; staff confirmed the change applies only to state‑managed species and "doesn't apply on the federal side," Trevor said. Trevor described the package as potentially "the shortest regulation change we've ever made," and the commission moved, seconded and voted to recommend beginning the notice period to amend the rule.
Why it matters: The change affects recreational and charter boaters undertaking multi‑day trips and clarifies possession rules for state species; federal species remain subject to federal law.
What happens next: Staff will post the notice, start the public comment period and return with any public comments and a final proposed rule for commission consideration.
