SB455 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald O. Dial
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Harvesting of shrimp, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources authorized to establish areas that are closed to the commercial and recreational harvesting of shrimp, emergency ruling authority
Summary: SB455 lets the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources close shrimp fishing areas, set emergency seasons, and regulate shrimp size and sales, with on-site processing rules for pond-farmed shrimp.
What This Bill Does
It authorizes the commissioner to designate areas closed to both commercial and recreational shrimping and to declare emergency open or closed seasons. It also sets minimum shrimp size requirements by weight, prohibits selling undersized shrimp, and imposes specific seasonal closures for inside waters and part of Mobile Bay. The bill allows on-site processing of shrimp from inland ponds or farms under health department rules and creates penalties for violations; it also notes the measure is exempt from a local-funds requirement because it defines a crime. The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects
Commercial and recreational shrimp fishermen: could be restricted by area closures and seasonal rules and must adhere to size and sale limits.
Shrimp processors and sellers (including inland pond/farm operators): must follow size regulations, comply with closures, and may engage in on-site processing under health rules.

Key Provisions
Authorizes the Commissioner to designate areas closed to all shrimping (commercial and recreational).
Allows the Commissioner to set emergency open and closed seasons for shrimp.
Sets minimum shrimp size rules: up to 68 head-on shrimp per pound or up to 114 headless shrimp per pound.
Prohibits selling shrimp that require more than the regulated number per pound.
Imposes specific closures: inside waters closed May 1 to June 1; portion of Mobile Bay closed Aug 15 to Oct 1.
Allows on-site processing of pond/farm shrimp under Health Department rules.
Establishes penalties for violations: Class C misdemeanor, $25-$100 fine per offense.
Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage.
Excludes the bill from certain local-fund expenditure requirements because it defines a crime or amends a crime.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Fish and Wildlife