[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6271296,"mediaKeyId","3029280-f5fdc6e9611810cefa3ec1bbd2c20140","parentId",3029280,"title","DMR reports on seafood labeling bill, oyster‑lease clarification and disaster assistance for fishermen","audioSeconds",561,"startMs",375000,"endMs",936000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029280-f5fdc6e9611810cefa3ec1bbd2c20140&start=375&end=936","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029280-f5fdc6e9611810cefa3ec1bbd2c20140/thumbnail_375000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6271296/Mississippi/DMR-reports-on-seafood-labeling-bill-oysterlease-clarification-and-disaster-assistance-for-fishermen","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271296-c17a7893b16940355cb83a84b183433f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771001726&Signature=jWhI-Epl0Zp6cSmE71e9y0DCY14neSkrSdsc3qOU-gFjKKhMWOjbnR0G1~ujHgXnpFRMh0ewfeRgKKAdiy-pKhZnwlDQqWc2h0acXlUiKoT8unUNtJTM3vuCTWFNvASNSeNcLojqQsqg6quOKfe0utkHsDIjgojijchgWZJkKSJ0Zt0XkAKqt1kI4Oy890i3Y0zstZUFIkKHJdf9S-i81QNcBa33KfSOusCzn6FPfeUt7UfLFecQEvfAMimmxomjGsQF-5GCx1y~Ef2aJ6p-3JckrOQA8uBjrGYnM21yGbzH5UO7A26Y4J0OKC6UbTA6yAMRD~M0nN3SPYYFC4J5zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-17T01:00:08.12Z","article","Department of Marine Resources staff updated the Mississippi Advisory Commission on Marine Resources about several legislative and disaster‑assistance matters including a new seafood labeling bill, statutory clarifications for oyster leases, and the status of financial assistance to fishery businesses following major coastal events.

Staff reported House Bill 602, a seafood and crawfish labeling measure that requires businesses to indicate whether seafood is imported or domestic, has passed both chambers and was expected to be sent to the governor for signature. The measure does not require full country‑of‑origin labeling at this time; the initial requirement is binary — domestic or imported — and staff said a task force including representatives from the governor’s office, lieutenant governor, speaker’s office, Department of Agriculture, DMR, tourism and industry stakeholders would be formed to develop implementation details.

DMR staff also summarized House Bill 1095, which temporarily exempts certain off‑bottom leases from being sold at public auction when an owner becomes delinquent and authorizes the agency to take back leases without immediate reauction; staff said the change was intended to prevent uncertified buyers from obtaining leases unsuitable for off‑bottom aquaculture. Senate Bill 2263 (clarifying DMR authority to approve oyster leases) was reported as pending signature at the governor’s office; staff said the bill clarifies the agency may lease up to 80% of suitable bottom while preserving the remainder in state ownership.

Flood‑control and Mississippi River operations also drew discussion. Staff briefed the commission on the potential operation of the Bonnet Carré Spillway, explaining Corps projections that an opening could be required if the New Orleans gauge reaches about 17 feet or roughly 1,250,000 cubic feet per second, while the Morganza control is triggered at higher flows. Staff said Corps operations and the Lower Mississippi River study prioritize ways to mitigate impacts from planned openings.

The department also reported on disaster assistance programs tied to prior events. For the flood/disaster assistance program tied to the Bonnet Carré event(s), staff said approximately $8.7 million in funding had been allocated for Mississippi commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and charter operators; staff reported $8.4 million had been spent to date. Of 94 applicants for the program, 72 were found eligible and staff were processing second‑round payments. The program included 66 commercial fishermen, five charters and one dealer among the eligible recipients. A separate grant program for new and emerging seafood processing technologies reported $3.7 million in available funding with about $2.3 million distributed to 18 of 24 applicants (roughly 76% of funds distributed). Staff said an additional approximately $2.993 million was available and would be targeted to oyster and shrimp fishermen under a related 2020 assistance qualification.

Commissioners also noted that three DMR commissioners had been confirmed by the legislature: Commissioners McClendon, Robert and Mayfield. Staff said they would update the commission as the legislature determined special‑session timing for state budget matters.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Mississippi Advisory Commission on Marine Resources April 2025 Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At its April meeting, DMR staff briefed commissioners on recent legislation affecting seafood labeling and oyster lease authority, the status of commercial disaster assistance programs tied to past flood and spill events, and confirmation of three commissioners.","taxTitle","Department of Marine Resources, Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Mississippi","taxId",59401,"location","Mississippi","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6271300,"Commission grants temporary variance to allow bait shrimping in Bayou Cassatt ship channel",1884,7720000,9604000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029280-f5fdc6e9611810cefa3ec1bbd2c20140&start=7720&end=9604","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029280-f5fdc6e9611810cefa3ec1bbd2c20140/thumbnail_7720000.jpg","/articles/6271300/Mississippi/Commission-grants-temporary-variance-to-allow-bait-shrimping-in-Bayou-Cassatt-ship-channel","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271300-9abac033ba82aa8cd99b14652b274ebe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771001726&Signature=Ei0pFmSPPqAtGXotGlaPodFtGh7R42Vrz31N6p9HkxCoM1-I1ZP0Xtm4uEKA58x29ShIX4CIftZ5GgcbIAqFay5BvScu-t6RXyp6t4r9F119oswyOBPRl31Nf2s1nVAIrhVrg1SDO85hzb10~r8t3mcxDcHD0NG-b7Vo89SwXSNwrbRvqAVrVrHatrWG-mr2DyoibAvlS15cwvNt1djIYquSLbvYiqtUOR1-SdKuLji6W16oc4F9T-T3ga0XIhQcFW9eX833DGgyAbm9ifF0Cp22FbIvpQqq6VqfG0-H5AFybKDIAcBFRCbhh0-pUOmdQEJpBQ-94l1U1dUe8rSEdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mississippi Advisory Commission on Marine Resources granted a temporary variance April 15 allowing live‑bait shrimp harvest in the Bayou Cassatt ship channel for 120 days while staff reviews the water classification and regulatory language.

Local bait dealers and shrimpers told the commission that Bayou Cassatt (called in parts the Bayou Cassatt Ship Channel on navigation charts) has been a long‑used winter bait source and that a map reference — printed in 1996 — appeared to show the area closed to shrimping under the current regulation. Speakers including AJ Moody, Larry Ryan and Charles Williamson said the closure had effectively cut off local bait supplies and resulted in citations for operators who believed the area had been open historically.

DMR enforcement staff confirmed citations were issued under the text of the regulations and noted the map used in enforcement showed the area as prohibited. Commissioners heard that the waterway south of the named bayou is a deep, navigable ship channel in parts, and that bait harvest in an offshore channel made by regular maintenance dredging is operationally different from harvest in shallow residential bayous.

To avoid immediate economic harm to the bait trade while staff undertakes a technical review, the commission approved a temporary variance (staff suggested 120 days to allow study and any regulatory correction). The variance covers the Bayou Cassatt ship channel area identified in discussion and will allow Marine Patrol to suspend enforcement of the cited prohibition while the department reviews maps, historical usage and regulatory text and prepares any follow‑up recommendation.

Commissioners and staff emphasized that enforcement officers acted under the letter of current regulations when citations were issued and that the variance does not retroactively affect citations already adjudicated. DMR staff committed to present findings and any regulatory changes to the commission at a future meeting.","Following industry testimony about a long‑used shrimping area, the commission granted a temporary variance allowing live‑bait shrimp harvest in the Bayou Cassatt ship channel for 120 days while staff reviews the map and regulations.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6271304,"Commission backs expanding no-wake zone at Percy Miller Park in Jackson County",291,1478000,1769000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029280-f5fdc6e9611810cefa3ec1bbd2c20140&start=1478&end=1769","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029280-f5fdc6e9611810cefa3ec1bbd2c20140/thumbnail_1478000.jpg","/articles/6271304/Mississippi/Commission-backs-expanding-no-wake-zone-at-Percy-Miller-Park-in-Jackson-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271304-1d416b54009bd6a17dafaeb357f528ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771001726&Signature=OAiNktwlEr6Db9m0z~aM1mUIp-ZD3a6majMJvSjrLZjgOndMs4-oaxmipiwmZOEGvSwpUQ6oP8CD3inYly9ZS6AeR-f3-A0WVu2OtjBlbTZC-ku71J6TgPWx6LBIzlviOMiYFYi-VNzMGOThdUv~h5TeRFnLBPKmZlvxXAtNg8RoSnM8BjyylgpsLNwIAbHU~RdKm7M6yvcB5gHai65Soh5EX7hR5-zdAzUBbbluA5QACu5bkEyJLL-SPuJfS8ZBZRYDpNoH4ls1ju5Vpc-U88aQH2WbzcVx1uxtDQ~dfcp3svNdj3KJAf-C~wfqTEXY7Q2x3kp4IeebNljJ9bNK3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mississippi Advisory Commission on Marine Resources voted to recommend that the director establish an expanded no-wake (idle-speed) zone on Fort Bayou adjacent to Percy Miller Park in Jackson County.

Lieutenant Colonel Jex of the Office of Marine Patrol presented the proposal, describing a roughly 1,250-foot extension of the existing state no-wake area eastward from the park. Staff said the waterway narrows in places to less than 45 feet and is shallow, producing wakes that cannot dissipate before reaching private docks and structures. The proposed extension would keep traffic at idle speed through the constrained area and reduce wake-related impacts to shoreline property and people using the shoreline.

Marine Patrol estimated the extension would require vessels to operate at idle speed — approximately eight and a half minutes of transit time for the full length of the proposed zone — and noted the state already requires a 100-foot no-wake buffer around public ramps. Patrol staff said the request followed constituent complaints and social media posts documenting safety and wake issues.

Commissioners discussed whether a no-wake designation is already implied in narrow residential bayous; staff replied that while vessel operators are responsible for their wakes under state law, a posted no-wake zone provides clearer regulatory authority for enforcement in places where narrow, shallow conditions prevent wake mitigation. After brief discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the recommendation; the motion carried on voice vote.

The commission’s recommendation will go to the director for a final decision and, if adopted, would be posted and enforced by Marine Patrol.","The commission recommended approval of a state no-wake zone extension on a narrow section of Fort Bayou near Percy Miller Park after marine patrol staff said the stretch narrows below 45 feet, making wake mitigation difficult.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6271309,"Commission approves Deer Island restoration variances and federal consistency certification",359,1847000,2206000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029280-f5fdc6e9611810cefa3ec1bbd2c20140&start=1847&end=2206","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029280-f5fdc6e9611810cefa3ec1bbd2c20140/thumbnail_1847000.jpg","/articles/6271309/Mississippi/Commission-approves-Deer-Island-restoration-variances-and-federal-consistency-certification","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271309-44538776f6521d12ae667a66d2c7d78d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771001726&Signature=lqkoP~NpdD3nWMVImTCVRfvNpre61mmc4g3gqpK0QZgjW96losnhJCUThiT-mkCqG-DN7nyhxG5Y90~05xA79npzNO-A8We~9Xa2DWBefoujGNZuxZs~elXxnMau2kmBNFio~Ry-NzUd0Dm76UDwKFEp~gvDvD-pnQYBH7hciRyQBfYW5UyFJy4tGCE6AwYFyD3wgqbmsGJ7I142KSvx1~0ULGxW66Uu3x6q4TmXobWVivxTMWtPEzJ2ITtxQTJqcoPkrqZd8iv2~XX5rQczxi-1AmXI7s2GEkhDblJlKU1XncRBFNlpvnnPhhGv3-1u4xd-~8pSCDEs3j6v0NbdBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mississippi Advisory Commission on Marine Resources voted to recommend the executive director approve requested variances and find the Deer Island restoration project consistent with the Mississippi Coastal Program.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) application seeks to restore Deer Island’s historic footprint by placing fill on water bottoms and establishing upland and marsh habitat, plus a nearshore segmented breakwater. DMR staff told the commission the project would convert about 272 acres of unvegetated coastal water bottom and ultimately restore roughly 400 acres of productive habitats including dunes, maritime forest and tidal marsh.

DMR staff summarized permitting history and technical details: the subaward funding comes through the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) from RESTORE and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF); the project footprint is roughly 70 acres of constructed island with an outer cheniere about 4,520 linear feet (built to a +6-foot crest) and an inner cheniere about 1,975 linear feet (built to a +3-foot crest). Interior containment capacity for dredged sediment was estimated between 470,000 and 570,000 cubic yards, depending on sediment composition. DMR records show an agency authorization issued August 31, 2018, and the Corps’ authorization issued April 9, 2021; the construction contract was awarded December 3, 2024, with a notice to proceed issued in January 2025.

The application requested variances to Mississippi Coastal Program provisions (Mississippi Coastal Program, chapter 8 §114) for filling coastal wetlands and sensitive coastal wetlands. Staff and cooperating agencies — including MDEQ, the Secretary of State’s office and the Department of Archives and History — reported no objections; DMR staff cited public notices (Sun Herald publication) and said no public comments were received during the DMR comment period. Staff recommended approval because the conversion of unvegetated water bottoms to productive habitats would enhance marsh stability, provide wildlife habitat (including for migratory birds and species of recreational and commercial importance) and offer storm-damage reduction benefits to the Mississippi mainland.

Commissioners moved and the commission recommended approval of the requested variances and concurrence with the Corps’ federal consistency certification. The vote carried on voice vote.

Staff noted the restored island will be monitored for five years after construction to evaluate establishment of habitat and the success of thin-layer placement; the county or municipality placing dredged material will manage dredging under memoranda of agreement that stipulate required elevations.

The project aims both to restore habitat and provide a beneficial-use location for dredged sediments that would otherwise be removed from the coastal system. DMR staff emphasized that using sediment for island restoration reduces upland disposal costs for counties and municipalities.

The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the executive director as the agency’s formal concurrence under the state coastal consistency process.","After staff review and agency concurrence, the commission recommended approval of variances and a federal consistency certification for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-led Deer Island habitat restoration project that will fill water bottoms and build containment cheniers to restore roughly 400 acres of habitat.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6271314,"DMR commission denies Ocean Springs plan to build concrete pathway on East Beach",1131,6209000,7340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029280-f5fdc6e9611810cefa3ec1bbd2c20140&start=6209&end=7340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029280-f5fdc6e9611810cefa3ec1bbd2c20140/thumbnail_6209000.jpg","/articles/6271314/Mississippi/DMR-commission-denies-Ocean-Springs-plan-to-build-concrete-pathway-on-East-Beach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271314-9f860450cf9bd99df4bf69ab0ecaa6c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771001726&Signature=l05gbQNxgn4Xp-8UyAID5zjKBk~KrECai70pzDmHvE-f4LvwDYUtoR3OyNQlZ-cuVDqPn8l-n6d-DencTxkyD-YWOFFqEmyuz5q1UCOOd7HV6ufKAv9LaZ7fgLFwm2mEZxx6ZNhsDcQ8Y1v8HLYXhSbi20MWY~AoNlEeVdb-ROT9ovZavgF5leQDpkWaP5yuF1RnG2FIZQIiGnLlsWRKLiZyj7yTeJrWabo5MrFwft2kkBtRqdqhlNsvqN8zjOixY~ytS2h9ZTORHjjkNf3NwpVDh5Yht7sC3jrHgzvyPX3BrovBUTvsEOG3I39LQJWgu~ipBsnlpchwsKIwbkcrVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mississippi Advisory Commission on Marine Resources voted Wednesday to deny the City of Ocean Springs’ request for a certificate of waiver that would have allowed construction of a 5,730-foot, 10-foot-wide concrete pedestrian pathway on the sand side of East Beach Drive.

The commission’s decision came after more than an hour of public comment, technical questions from commissioners and a staff presentation summarizing the application, public responses and agency reviews. Commissioners voted to deny the certificate following repeated concerns about erosion, hydraulic impacts and the project’s popularity in the community.

The city proposed the pathway to give pedestrians a route off the narrow roadway between Weeks Bayou and Halstead Road, tie into the seawall and improve pedestrian safety. Wetlands permitting staff reported the project would fill limited areas of sand beach above mean high tide and would place structural fill where the beach elevation was below the top of the seawall. The application requested variances under the Mississippi Coastal Program to convert some unvegetated water bottoms and sand beach to a constructed pathway and associated features.

Staff said the project is part of Jackson County’s bicycle, pedestrian and trails master plan and that the city plans to maintain the pathway while the county would maintain the sand beach. Agency reviewers including the Mississippi Department of Archives and History recommended a context study as a condition if the project were approved; the Secretary of State’s office said an amendment to the state tidelands lease would be required.

Dozens of residents and property owners at the commission meeting urged denial, citing recurring erosion, limited beach width, potential harm to shorebird habitat and the project’s likely effect of attracting more visitors and parking pressure to a narrow, largely residential shoreline. “It is not a safe place to walk,” said Dr. Dorlus Alford, an East Beach resident, describing frequent close calls with vehicles on the narrow road. Several speakers, including members of the incoming Ocean Springs city government, asked the commission to defer action until the new mayor and board could review the project.

A handful of speakers and the Ward 4 alderman said a pedestrian route was needed for safety and that the city had pursued the project for years; the city’s agent provided traffic and safety analysis and noted the pathway was part of an adopted master plan. Wetlands staff summarized alternatives considered by the applicant, including a narrower path, a shoulder on the north side of the road and other traffic-calming measures; staff noted MDOT standards and public input had driven the applicant’s choice of a south-side path.

After public comment and discussion, Commissioner Freddy Mayfield moved to deny the waiver. The motion carried on voice vote.

The commission’s decision does not preclude the city from filing a new application or pursuing a modified design. Staff told commissioners there remains a previously authorized, narrower 6.5-foot sidewalk authorization that is valid through November 2025 for a portion of East Beach. DMR staff also confirmed the Department of Archives and History’s requested context study and other technical analyses would be appropriate prerequisites for any future approval.

The denial follows concerns raised during prior public hearings and reflected broad local opposition at the April 15 meeting.

Votes at a glance: The commission voted to deny the certificate of waiver for the City of Ocean Springs East Beach pathway (motion: Commissioner Mayfield; second: recorded; outcome: denied).","The Mississippi Advisory Commission on Marine Resources denied a City of Ocean Springs permit request to place a 10-foot concrete pedestrian pathway on the sand of East Beach, citing environmental, engineering and strong community opposition.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

DMR reports on seafood labeling bill, oyster‑lease clarification and disaster assistance for fishermen

Commission grants temporary variance to allow bait shrimping in Bayou Cassatt ship channel

Commission backs expanding no-wake zone at Percy Miller Park in Jackson County

Commission approves Deer Island restoration variances and federal consistency certification

DMR commission denies Ocean Springs plan to build concrete pathway on East Beach