§501. Commercial taking of freshwater shrimp

A. A properly licensed commercial fisherman may take freshwater shrimp in accordance with this Section.

B.(1) Freshwater shrimp may be taken in the Mississippi River and Intracoastal Waterway and only within one and one-half miles of the boat ramp adjacent to the Port Allen locks in either stream.

(2) A person shrimping pursuant to this Subsection shall use a wire net with a one-quarter inch bar and a maximum length of six feet. The net shall be marked with a one gallon jug painted international orange and displaying the words "Freshwater Shrimp" in black letters. In addition to a commercial fishing license, a fisherman fishing pursuant to this Subsection shall possess a freshwater shrimp net license issued pursuant to R.S. 56:305(B)(17).

(3) Only freshwater shrimp may be taken; all other species shall be immediately returned to the waters from which they were taken. A commercial fisherman shall not possess any other fish while fishing pursuant to this Subsection.

C. The Wildlife and Fisheries Commission may adopt rules and regulations authorizing the commercial taking of freshwater shrimp in areas in addition to those specified in Subsection B of this Section. Such rules and regulations shall specify the gear that may be used, licenses that are required in such areas, and any restrictions on the possession of other species of fish.

D. Freshwater shrimp may be taken from January first through December thirty-first; however, the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission may adopt rules and regulations modifying season times and dates based on biological or technical data.

E. A violation of any provision of this Section or a rule adopted pursuant thereto constitutes a class two violation.

Acts 2004, No. 126, §1, eff. Nov. 15, 2004.