15-43-CWS | June 17, 2015
BILOXI, Miss. – The Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources voted unanimously Tuesday to reduce the weight of oyster dredges from 140 pounds to 115 pounds.
Commissioners said there is less chance the lighter dredges will damage oyster reefs.
The group voted to delay a decision possibly prohibiting basket dredges, saying they need more information from fisheries staff at the Department of Marine Resources before taking a vote.
Commissioners also approved two state saltwater fishing records.
Matthew Glenn of Pascagoula set a record for the Rock Hind with a 3-pound, 9.6-ounce fish. The previous record was 3 pounds, 4.8 ounces set Aug. 17, 2007.
Mark Ross Jr. of Pascagoula set a record for the Lookdown with a fish that weighed 3 pounds, 4.83 ounces. The previous record was 3 pounds, set June 11, 2013.
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 www.dmr.ms.gov.
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