Sec. 77.061. GENERAL CLOSED SEASON. (a) Except as specifically provided in this subchapter, no person may catch shrimp in outside water:

(1) from June 1 to July 15, both dates inclusive, or during a period provided under Section 77.062 of this code, as applicable; or

(2) extending from the coastline of Texas up to and including seven fathoms in depth from December 16 of each year to February 1 of the following year, both dates inclusive, unless taking sea bobs.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subchapter E, Chapter 12, of this code, a person who violates Subdivision (1) of Subsection (a) of this section or Section 77.024 of this code commits an offense and on conviction is punishable by a fine of not less than $2,500 nor more than $5,000, by confinement in the county jail for not less than six months nor more than one year, or by both.

(c) Except as provided in this section, the presence of a shrimp trawl (excluding doors) not stored within the confines of the hull of a vessel in outside water during the closed period provided by Subdivision (1) of Subsection (a) of this section is prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.

(d) Subsection (c) of this section does not apply to a licensed commercial gulf shrimp boat within one-fourth mile of jetties when the vessel is in direct transit to open water to catch white shrimp as provided in Section 77.065, Parks and Wildlife Code, as amended.

(e) A commercial shrimp boat operating in the outside water during the closed season as provided by Subdivision (1) of Subsection (a) of this section shall display its documentation number issued by the United States Coast Guard for documented vessels or a registration number issued by a state on the port and starboard sides of the deckhouse or hull and on an appropriate weather deck so as to be clearly visible from enforcement vessels and aircraft. This number shall be permanently attached or painted on the vessel in block Arabic numerals in contrasting color to the background and at least 18 inches in height on vessels over 65 feet in length or at least 10 inches in height for all other vessels.

Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 1405, ch. 545, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975. Amended by Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 1220, ch. 456, Sec. 20(b), eff. Sept. 1, 1975; Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 2165, ch. 506, Sec. 1, eff. June 12, 1981; Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 267, art. 3, Sec. 87, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.