New scamp record certified

Commission on Marine Resources adds new member, keeps two seasons closed

The Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources last week certified a new state record fish, swore in a new commissioner and announced that seasons on two popular sport fish will remain closed.

Joey Antoon of Pascagoula is now in the record book with the largest scamp ever ported in Mississippi. He caught a 28-pound, 4.32-ounce scamp on June 11, easily topping the previous record of 26 pounds, 15 ounces set in November of 2012.

There will be no new records set for two species this year, after the Commission announced that the seasons on greater amberjack and gray triggerfish will remain closed in the state’s territorial waters for the remainder of 2016.

The newest member of the Commission on Marine Resources is Mark Havard of Vancleave, who will represent the recreational fishermen user group. He was appointed by Gov. Phil Bryant and confirmed by the Mississippi Senate this spring.

Havard, a business graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, said his job as comptroller at Walt Massey Automotive Inc. and his background in fishing will be an asset to the state agency’s oversight board.

“My extensive financial background will prove to be valuable to the CMR,” Havard said. “Also, fishing and boating are very important parts of our lives, and I am looking forward to serving the people of Mississippi.”