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DMR Suspends Commercial Oyster Tonging License Sales

11-46-CWS | April 28, 2011

BILOXI, Miss. – The sale of commercial resident and non-resident tonging licenses has been immediately suspended by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR). The threshold for license sales has been reached in two categories; commercial resident and non-resident tonging licenses. Therefore, sales are suspended in those categories.

 

The suspension is a result of a plan developed by the DMR to limit the sale of oyster licenses for the 2011-2012 oyster season. The plan addresses a motion passed at the April Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources (CMR) meeting. The CMR motion directed the executive director of the DMR to closely monitor the sale of commercial oyster licenses for any unusual increase in the number and types of licenses sold. The motion also authorizes the executive director to suspend the sale of commercial oyster licenses in categories reflecting unusual increases in sales. The executive director will report the suspension of license sales to the CMR at the May 2011 meeting. The CMR may choose to readdress the issue.

 

Individuals unable to obtain a license during the period of suspension may petition the executive director in writing for the issuance of a license and must provide proof of prior years participation in the Mississippi oyster fishery or why they were unable to participate, and show good cause why they should be issued a license during the suspension of sales.

 

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.

 

Contact: Shelly Becker
Phone: 228-523-4051

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