Mississippi § 49-7-12 - Reciprocal agreements with other states; nonresident freshwater commercial fishing licenses; fees; penalties.

§ 49-7-12. Reciprocal agreements with other states; nonresident freshwater commercial fishing licenses; fees; penalties.

The commission may promulgate rules and regulations for nonresident recreational and commercial permits and licenses in order to promote and to enter into reciprocal agreements with other states. The commission may issue and prescribe the forms, types and fees of nonresident freshwater commercial fishing licenses to be sold by the department and not by licensing agents. The commission may prescribe regulations for nonresident commercial fishing equipment, tagging requirements, harvest size and possession restrictions, restricted areas, fishing restrictions, reporting requirements, wholesale dealers, and the selling, reselling and exporting of fish taken in the public freshwaters of the state. The commission may exercise all powers necessary to regulate nonresident freshwater commercial fishing. The commission may require a nonresident to purchase the same type and number of freshwater commercial fishing licenses and pay the same fees that are required of Mississippi residents to engage in like activity in the nonresident’s state. Any nonresident who engages in freshwater commercial fishing without having the required licenses is guilty of a Class I violation and punishable as provided under Section 49-7-141 and shall forfeit any equipment, gear or nets used in the offense.