Mississippi Department of Marine Resources

The meeting included an agency update covering new hires and staff promotions, recognition for students who won a state-level science fair project, and a legislative update regarding upcoming seafood labeling efforts. Additional discussions focused on Tidelands applications, the availability of new GOMESA funding, the success of a redfish tournament, and briefings provided during a Gulf States directors meeting. The commission also reviewed international and national collaboration efforts involving NOAA representatives and promoted an upcoming fishing rodeo.

The Commission meeting covered several key topics, including legislative updates regarding seafood labeling, reserve officer pay, and marine patrol operations. Discussion was held on the distribution of GOMESA and tidelands funds, the restoration timeline of the Bolton Building, and sponsorship of the Redfish World Championship. Updates were provided on online commercial license sales, the status of Bonnet Carré fisheries, and ongoing efforts to adjust red snapper allocation with the Gulf Council. The Seafood Task Force discussed strategies for promoting Mississippi seafood, particularly oysters. The Commission also reviewed updates on derelict vessel removal, project permits for bridge and shoreline maintenance, and reported on the improved prevalence of American wild-caught seafood in restaurants. Additionally, the Commission discussed artificial reef zone developments and MS Creel program progress while honoring the contributions of the late Jim Franks.

The meeting agenda includes reports from the Executive Director regarding employment, contracts, procurement, and general agency updates. Additional reports feature an overview of citations from the Office of Marine Patrol, public affairs updates, an update on the Mississippi shrimp season, and a report on a recent NOAA visit to the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

The Commission reviewed employment updates including recent hires and promotions within the Office of Marine Patrol and Office of Marine Fisheries, as well as the appointment of new interns for the Coastal and Marine Resources Rotational Program. A report on the 2026 Mississippi Shrimp Season was presented, covering historical landings, dockside value, and juvenile/adult sampling processes. Additionally, the commission reviewed various outreach activities and received an update regarding a visit from NOAA leadership to the Grand Bay NERR.

The Commission discussed several administrative and operational topics, including employment contract updates, promotions within the Marine Patrol, and an overview of the oyster season. Legislative updates were provided, specifically concerning reserve officers, oyster legislation, and seafood labeling. The Commission also reviewed the Mississippi Gulf Governor’s Saltwater Fishing Classic, noting the successful involvement of private boat owners and the expansion of the program. Coastal resources management matters included the approval of a certificate of waiver for a railway bridge expansion by CSX Transportation, Inc. and a permit request by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality for a living shoreline breakwater project to restore natural resources.