The Mississippi Advisory Commission on Marine Resources convened on April 17, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the upcoming fishing season and address concerns from local fishermen about shrimping regulations.

The meeting confirmed that the fishing season will open on Memorial Day, consistent with the past seven years. Participants will be allowed to catch two fish per person, with a minimum size limit of 16 inches. The season is expected to close on the Sunday following July 4, with hopes for a longer duration based on an anticipated quota of 82,342 pounds, which represents a 20% increase from the previous year. This increase is attributed to improved management practices and consistent participation from fishermen.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments from local bait dealers, particularly concerning the closure of the Bayou Cassatt area for shrimping. Several dealers expressed frustration over recent citations for shrimping in what they believed to be open waters. They argued that the area has been used for shrimping for decades without issue and questioned the validity of the maps indicating the closure. The dealers emphasized that the closure has severely impacted their businesses, leading to a shortage of live shrimp available for sale along the coast.

Commission members acknowledged the concerns raised and discussed the possibility of temporarily reopening the area while further investigations are conducted. They noted that the current regulations classify Bayou Cassatt as closed, but there is a recognition that the area may not fit the traditional definition of a bayou due to its navigable nature. The commission is considering options to grant exceptions or variances to the regulations to support local fishermen while ensuring sustainable practices.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further review the situation and explore potential solutions that would allow for continued shrimping in the area, balancing the needs of the fishing community with regulatory compliance. The commission aims to address these issues promptly to support the livelihoods of local fishermen and ensure the sustainability of marine resources in Mississippi.