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Biloxi Bay oyster reefs to reopen Wednesday, Nov. 23

16-82-MMS| November 22, 2016

BILOXI, Miss. – Oyster reefs in the Biloxi Bay will reopen at legal sunrise Wednesday, Nov. 23, officials with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources said Tuesday.

 

The reefs, which are in Area V “A,” were closed Wednesday, Nov. 9, after excessive rainfall. The reefs reopened for one day on Wednesday, Nov. 16, but they have been closed due to poor water samples.

 

Water samples taken this week showed the area could be reopened for oyster harvesting. This area includes the Biloxi Bay and Shearwater reefs.

 

These reefs are approved for tonging only, and the daily sack limit is 15. The reefs will be closed Thanksgiving Day but will reopen Friday, Nov. 25.

 

Oyster fishermen began tonging for oysters on the Biloxi Bay reefs on Nov. 1, something that had not happened since 1962.

 

On Nov. 15, the Commission on Marine Resources approved opening reefs in the western portion of the Mississippi Sound from Nov. 17-22. Those reefs will close at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22.

 

All other current rules and regulations remain in effect. For more information, call the Oyster Hotline at 228-374-5167 or 1-800-385-5902.

 

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the DMR online at dmr.ms.gov.

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