Mississippi Department of Marine Resources

The meeting agenda covered several significant operational and regulatory items. Employment updates included one new hire and three promotions across various departments. Key operational discussions involved a staff recommendation for the establishment of a No Wake Zone in the Garden Isles area of Bay St. Louis to mitigate risks to individuals engaging in water activities near private property. Permit consideration was given to Marti Cockrell for a project to create a living shoreline near Ocean Springs to prevent erosion, requiring a variance request due to wetland filling. Additionally, a Certificate of Waiver request was reviewed for TGHP, LLC concerning expansion of a commercial marina in Pass Christian, which included after-the-fact approval for an excavated canal. Finally, regulatory updates were presented concerning current Mississippi regulations on the possession of fish fillets and multi-day bag limits for for-hire vessels, alongside comparisons with regulations in Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and Alabama.

The meeting addressed the oyster season update, noting that 26,925 sacks had been harvested, the largest amount since 2010, and discussed reopening after recent rain closures. The status of the bottom oyster lease program remains on hold pending judicial clarification. Updates were provided on the 2019-2020 Bonnie Carrier payments and legislative matters concerning seafood labeling requirements (House Bills 602 and 601) and efforts to establish a marketing campaign promoting Gulf of America and Mississippi seafood. Discussions also covered proposed legislation regarding compensation for reserve officers during holidays and protecting the personal information of license holders from public records requests. The commission reviewed the report on Kisler Air Force Base's requested variance, involving coastal wetland fill and living shoreline construction. Landings data for 2025 through December was reviewed, showing a value of over $11 million. Personnel updates included thanking Tracy Floyd, the retiring Director of Fisheries, and announcing Trevor Minef as her successor. Finally, the agenda noted upcoming holiday closures and Gulf Council meetings.

The meeting addressed several key operational and legislative updates. Key discussion points included the agency update on oyster season, noting 29,966 sacks harvested, and addressing an incident where a boat sank atop reefs, requiring an emergency contract for removal while awaiting water and meat sample tests. The Director noted the imminent reopening of their laboratory facilities, eliminating the need to send tests to Alabama. Significant discussion involved legislative updates, particularly regarding the oyster bill to modify leasing percentages, a seafood labeling bill requiring modification for restaurants and grocery stores, and a marine patrol bill to pay reserve officers, which passed both the House and Senate. The commission also reviewed updates on the bonus carry program, budget amendments for a 2020 grant approved by NOAA, and ongoing legislative efforts concerning tidelands and probable cause phrasing. Updates were also provided on the Gulf Council meeting, red snapper swap allocations, progress on the MS Krill process, derelict vessel removal statistics, and a positive report on Kids Fishing 101 and department involvement at the recent boat show.

Key discussions included a motion to reschedule the February meeting to Tuesday, February 10th. Updates were provided on the oyster season, noting that 26,925 sacks had been harvested, the largest amount since 2019, though the season was temporarily closed due to rain. The on-bottom oyster lease program remains on hold pending judicial clarification. Legislative updates covered House Bills 601 and 602 regarding seafood labeling, efforts to establish compensation for reserve officers during holidays, and a proposal to protect license holders' personal information from public records requests. Personnel changes included the retirement of Traci Floyd and the naming of Trevor Moncrief as the new director of Fisheries. The Keesler Air Force Base project variance concerning coastal wetlands fill and living shoreline construction was discussed. Financial reports indicated agency net income was negative $6.5 million at the end of December 2025 due to deferred appropriations. The Wetlands Permitting section reported 808 total actions for 2025 and the launch of a new stormwater management website, RiverCityFloodReady.com, focusing on projects in Moss Point to address flooding and nutrient reduction.

Key discussions included employment updates such as new hires and promotions within various offices. The Commission reviewed and approved a recommended variance for Keesler Air Force Base concerning the filling of coastal wetlands for a living shoreline breakwater project in the Back Bay of Biloxi, detailing dimensions and rip rap usage. Performance metrics were presented, covering Wetland Permitting Actions for 2025 and a comparison against 2023 and 2024, including violation details. Financial results as of December 31, 2025, were provided, highlighting State Revenue and Agency Revenue figures, alongside a Fiscal Year 2026 budget comparison after six months. An update was given on Stormwater Work, including EPA, NOAA, and NFWF projects focused on green infrastructure, flood risk mitigation, and the launch of a new website, RiverCityFloodReady.com. Upcoming events for February through April were also noted.