[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",5994979,"mediaKeyId","5861307-d2d08e1c6329905536a3e1ed4d92a4e5","parentId",5861307,"title","Charter captain praises artificial reef program; agency and commissioners stress next‑generation investment","audioSeconds",134,"startMs",2254000,"endMs",2388000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5861307-d2d08e1c6329905536a3e1ed4d92a4e5&start=2254&end=2388","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5861307-d2d08e1c6329905536a3e1ed4d92a4e5/thumbnail_2254000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5994979/Mississippi/Charter-captain-praises-artificial-reef-program-agency-and-commissioners-stress-nextgeneration-investment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5994979-06aa45583a024a526bb6b33d695fe084/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172499&Signature=T0Djv41cLUQApbFX1M88-7MxritI6WBKG4TlGRDd6G~Wzwbg~g3zHnwZ072kCEXAPUm9DK4QQrN~ICDzddu43MejmtKJK~I~T3MhM~-X3TZDtWGkWcnO-nRsZ41GVMh61EUNC-NzzTGwFnF5hQtHHdqTHbG5krKl9I3bGFk2pPm5OV-L-B7RC4QAMNwgRi3bHTDZvEfnXiJJECUHhRkwBt0B6aet9tNAqEcVFCrqQMZnvQSlIyxYsQyCL9UhuZ03FylhQuVNY8EpAypFqs8XSaijODH8rRtt-if3PVIMxAXxe-Awcey0NgwMtMPQT3Cv3CsLfROFN4hnDT5Jtgcw7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MS Dept. of Marine Resources","date","2025-08-20T02:41:00Z","article","Clarence Seymour, a charter boat captain from Ocean Springs with 27 years’ experience, thanked Mississippi Department of Marine Resources staff for work on the artificial reef program and urged continued investment in reef infrastructure and outreach to younger anglers.
\"It's been amazing,\" Seymour said of the artificial reef program and staff support. He noted historic reef development, the loss of structure from Hurricane Katrina, and that some replacements remain pending while funding is secured.
Commission members and staff acknowledged the comments and emphasized the importance of investing in the next generation of reef stewards. One commissioner thanked Seymour and agency staff and said the commission should ensure resources and programs support future reef development and engagement.
Discussion only: public comment from Captain Seymour and responses by commissioners and staff; no formal action recorded. Why it matters: artificial reef placement and maintenance influence recreational and commercial fishing opportunities, habitat structure and local marine economies.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Mississippi Advisory Commission on Marine Resources August 2025 Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A charter boat captain thanked agency staff for work on the artificial reef program and urged continued investment; commissioners and staff responded by highlighting funding progress and the need to engage younger anglers.","taxTitle","Department of Marine Resources, Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Mississippi","taxId",59401,"location","Mississippi","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5994984,"Agency asks retailers and restaurants to label seafood as imported or domestic, plans task force to craft rules",78,503000,581000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5861307-d2d08e1c6329905536a3e1ed4d92a4e5&start=503&end=581","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5861307-d2d08e1c6329905536a3e1ed4d92a4e5/thumbnail_503000.jpg","/articles/5994984/Mississippi/Agency-asks-retailers-and-restaurants-to-label-seafood-as-imported-or-domestic-plans-task-force-to-craft-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5994984-364f2f21a737c7f27d2ee3567e647c45/orig.mp4?Expires=1771145336&Signature=P4HHDiXQhqoeP-pwu7L~b~xgkkIR42hThesBrnz~Vs7V9tGLOLlnT~~XYfK4yRlHwJe3KTTvPlmkfqqH2QP7YiF7H969mJ2y5GfwCyLA5HPcpI1RurBbGuC-0N8zEV-B70pyLwiHvtRiCGil~U9FsJpVHgPX7JguXzSUl3kEVMChPej5mK7Savj8kooXrpd39DYrp9rfJeMB1z3piDNwMketBp-3PhLvfpRSsWQhSLxrwTjxGeC3WzhBtMzYLdYsvn79Lt0-cpQVZUupJP8f1sJHokIhE~TP84oH4kxybkpy6T6fxrFP0PwcsAOjqRRLmX1ptwQQ5~tL8N1HxlwQHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mississippi Department of Marine Resources officials said they are assembling a task force to develop rules requiring seafood sold at retail and in restaurants to be labeled as imported or domestic, and they asked industry participants to begin voluntarily identifying product origin while the task force meets.
At the meeting the director said the agency is \"still trying to put our task force together\" and requested that restaurants, grocery stores and market operators \"please try every way you can to label your seafood the way it should be. It's either imported or domestic right now.\" The director added the task force will meet to draft rules and that the agency will provide exact labeling details to businesses in the near future.
Discussion only at this meeting: staff outlined the planned task force and urged voluntary compliance by retailers and restaurants; no formal rule, ordinance or regulation was adopted at the session. The director did not specify a deadline for rule completion or the legal mechanism that will be used to require labels.
Why it matters: origin labeling affects consumer information and traceability for seafood products sold in restaurants and markets; rules could change how local seafood is marketed and how businesses document product origin.","MDMR staff said the agency is assembling a task force to develop rules to require labeling of seafood as imported or domestic and asked seafood retailers and restaurants to begin distinguishing product origin voluntarily while a rulemaking process is developed.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5994989,"Staff recommends variance and permit for Jackson County Pascagoula drainage project to reduce flooding",360,1491000,1851000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5861307-d2d08e1c6329905536a3e1ed4d92a4e5&start=1491&end=1851","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5861307-d2d08e1c6329905536a3e1ed4d92a4e5/thumbnail_1491000.jpg","/articles/5994989/Mississippi/Staff-recommends-variance-and-permit-for-Jackson-County-Pascagoula-drainage-project-to-reduce-flooding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5994989-ab81901af6422e0b9668beca1d76a470/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172499&Signature=Io5auUP4LqNzhhXca7KvoQos6Lihk-rjfovFPqKmdGaNqZalIKQjH717CTZ6TGgag6cRuzsiXnm1XCT7Wg0iulJ9oRAoAZ4bpa5nc6e7jID4zpgGyJ3hrBVX6kTUl78tMpVXecYUq66l5BjJVhK-B0IYOFgkmB5~e595aZzVjoMstYCdDLqxoYijMiBc~ipeT8YTKtS8LYmn4we2NVqzNVidin~lU~v6F3Q3eUQ~GVFAcHD~wRSA0optvOrsGhIjrviIEsAFg6PvX6VwGvrh1qrch70xF75nHBbqai0VhzyzBc-XOukr5pJqwzRVF6JO1a1BM6iVkkD1OoQzQRqQLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commission staff recommended that the executive director approve a variance and a permit for a Jackson County drainage improvement project in Pascagoula that would fill 185 square feet of coastal wetlands to reduce recurring flooding.
The staff presentation said the project, located between Canty Street and Comenee Avenue, would install a culvert at Canty Street, place riprap for stabilization, and construct a box culvert to connect a proposed outfall to an existing outfall at Comenee Avenue. The applicant requested the variance because staff concluded no feasible alternative sites or construction techniques were available and asserted a significant public benefit.
\"Therefore, staff request a motion that the commission recommends the executive director to approve the requested variance and approve the permit as requested,\" the Coastal Resources Management staff member said during the presentation. The public notice period ran from July 8 through July 25, a public hearing was held July 24, and staff reported one public comment in favor of the project. The presenter said the project was expected to reduce flood elevation by approximately 19 to 20 inches for nearby residents.
Project details the presenter gave: the county proposes to fill a total of 185 square feet of coastal wetlands — about 10 square feet of vegetated water bottoms and about 175 square feet of unvegetated water bottoms — and to relocate and spread impacted tidal marsh vegetation over an adjacent 30 square foot area to allow regrowth. Agency comments reported in the presentation included no comments from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and an outstanding request from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History for additional information; the Mississippi secretary of state indicated a rent‑exempt lease will be required.
Discussion only: staff recommended approval and noted agency comment status; Direction: staff requested a motion recommending approval. Formal action: the transcript records a second to a motion but does not record a formal vote or definitive outcome at this meeting.
Why it matters: the project aims to reroute stormwater into a larger receiving channel (Comenee Bayou) and reduce local flood elevations by roughly 19–20 inches for residents and travelers in the project area.","Commission staff asked the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Commission to recommend that the executive director approve a variance and permit for a Jackson County project in Pascagoula that would fill 185 square feet of coastal wetlands to reroute stormwater and lower flood elevations by an estimated 19–20 inches.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5994993,"Federal judge blocks on‑bottom oyster leases; commission to continue prior operations and form task force",1633,596000,2229000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5861307-d2d08e1c6329905536a3e1ed4d92a4e5&start=596&end=2229","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5861307-d2d08e1c6329905536a3e1ed4d92a4e5/thumbnail_596000.jpg","/articles/5994993/Mississippi/Federal-judge-blocks-onbottom-oyster-leases-commission-to-continue-prior-operations-and-form-task-force","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5994993-4329b23e50b4cfda6a538a0d229fd077/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172499&Signature=EfmXvig8KqK-aevutGDzVBe2xqjMGRAN4rYdHZ48UWWdL6C2fdnAyxRrVF-42zRhNo04oRhvnaS61aoiiCRgCsyTfvPLoWI3wXkT54UIOkLKclPYSOm-xA7B7YbvKAHe5LMTA7dbjcGzCsPkcsQ6ytD3KLDp-om-A2qGyfu731HBbjpMJBkMfkwRIzN60xlhDIKee0eUUqE5qzDH3TMn6gCzlMXiwbKckCC2R8ceavsgCqGJDFddjUHn8iJ2ZwbIGSW7SU9DWZUD8emXO4YHmPkvnh6zXhiQtKy9qzyW2bj0SdqFq7D5peOi0dXBMpkNDAxH2mv5LOivP9EH7pSzDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against on‑bottom oyster leases, and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) said it will continue operating under its existing practices while staff and scientists assess oyster reef conditions.
The decision stemmed from a judge's finding that a residency requirement limiting leases to Mississippi residents raised constitutional concerns under the Fourth Amendment, the director said. That ruling triggered immediate operational uncertainty for the state’s on‑bottom lease program.
MDMR's director told the commission the agency will “continue to operate as if we have in, you know, the last 15 years,” and that scientists will reassess reef conditions before selecting when and where to open oyster season. “As soon as everything is good and as soon as we think it’s safe to do it, we'll open up oyster season, and we'll open up oyster season on 100% of our property,” the director said.
The director estimated a preliminary assessment of reef conditions could produce an opening plan by September or October, with staff selecting areas (noting much of the Western Sound and parts of the Eastern Sound as likely candidates) and setting sack limits consistent with past practice. He also said the agency will work to reconvene a previously discussed oyster task force and asked staff to “call a meeting” and be proactive in assembling participants.
Discussion only: commissioners and staff described the ruling and its immediate operational implications; the transcript records no change to the department’s permitting or leasing program at this meeting. Direction: the director committed to (1) continuing current operations while scientists evaluate reefs and (2) convening an oyster task force to develop rules and next steps. Formal action: none recorded regarding changing leases or regulatory standards.
Why it matters: on‑bottom leases and oyster seasons affect harvesters, local markets and coastal habitat management; a court injunction on constitutional grounds could reshape how the state issues or limits those leases going forward.
What's next: MDMR staff will run scientific reef assessments and convene the oyster task force to draft rules and procedures; the director signaled an aim to have preliminary seasonal decisions by fall, pending scientific findings and legal developments.","A federal court issued a preliminary injunction halting on‑bottom oyster leases on grounds cited as a constitutional issue; the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources director said the agency will continue prior operating practices while scientists assess reefs and the commission will form an oyster task force to plan next steps.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Charter captain praises artificial reef program; agency and commissioners stress next‑generation investment

Agency asks retailers and restaurants to label seafood as imported or domestic, plans task force to craft rules

Staff recommends variance and permit for Jackson County Pascagoula drainage project to reduce flooding

Federal judge blocks on‑bottom oyster leases; commission to continue prior operations and form task force