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MDMR Enhances Deer Island North Reef

12-34-CWS | June 4, 2012

BILOXI, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources’ (MDMR) Artificial Reef Bureau and Shellfish Bureau have completed an enhancement project on the nearshore reef, Deer Island North, which is located just north of the eastern end of Deer Island.

The enhancement project, which took place in May, added 1,500 cubic yards of limestone to the reef extending the eastern tip by approximately three acres.

 

“Enhancing this reef provides additional fish habitat, which will benefit Mississippi fishermen,” said Kerwin Cuevas, MDMR Artificial Reef Bureau Director. “Additionally—at some point a few years down the road—this could potentially be utilized as an oyster tonging reef for commercial harvest.” MDMR Shellfish Bureau Director Scott Gordon said “the area around Deer Island is a high-use area. This site was selected after taking input from the local community into consideration.”

 

The Deer Island North fishing reef is one of 67 nearshore reefs spread along Hancock, Harrison and Jackson county shorelines. For more information about the Artificial Reef or Shellfish bureaus, or to download a map of nearshore and offshore reefs, visit dmr.ms.gov and click on the Marine Fisheries tab.

 

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 MDMR online at www.dmr.ms.gov.

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Photo Courtesy of Mississippi Department of Marine Resources

 

PHOTO CUTLINE: Photo: In May 2012, the MDMR Artificial Reef Bureau extended the Deer Island North fishing reef by approximately three acres by spreading 1,500 cubic yards of limestone along the eastern tip of the reef.

 

Contact: Jennifer Goldman Leirer
Phone: (228) 523-4101

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