22-27-CWS | June 29, 2022
BILOXI, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) will be removing abandoned and otherwise derelict vessels from the waterways pursuant to an updated act passed by the Mississippi Legislature that will take effect July 1, 2022. The new bill provides more extensive and inclusive definitions of what constitutes a derelict vessel and provides for penalties to be assessed against the registered owners of derelict vessels.
To report a derelict vessel, contact MDMR Derelict Vessel Coordinator, Russell Weatherly, at 228-523-4040 or, if after normal business hours, Marine Patrol Dispatch at 228-523-4134 or email derelict.vessel@dmr.ms.gov.
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.
