SHELLFISH BUREAU
- Jason Rider, Bureau Director
- (228) 523-4037
- jason.rider@dmr.ms.gov
The Mississippi coastal environment encompasses an extensive, integrated array of ecosystems that are rich sanctuaries of biodiversity and exist as the cultural fabric connecting the Mississippi Gulf Coast – economically, environmentally, and socially. Historically home to some of the nation’s most productive and valuable oyster resources, Mississippi’s eastern oyster population has sustained a growing economy and contributed greatly to the culture and heritage that defines the region. To this day, many families continue to depend on Mississippi coastal waters and the rich, natural resources found among them.
The MDMR Shellfish Bureau is committed to managing and enhancing oyster resources in accordance with the sanitation standards outlined by the Interstate Shellfish Sanitation Conference’s National Shellfish Sanitation Program (ISSC/NSSP) Model Ordinance requirements. Our efforts focus on promoting and expanding oyster aquaculture, increasing oyster density on state-owned reefs, enhancing habitat resilience, monitoring water quality and prioritizing sustainability. Our overarching goal is to cultivate a thriving oyster industry, bolster oyster populations, and safeguard their well-being. Collaborating with stakeholders and leveraging scientific expertise, we implement various initiatives to foster the growth and sustainability of oyster populations, ensuring valuable shellfish resources are preserved for future generations.
To contact a member of the Shellfish Bureau, please email oyster@dmr.ms.gov.
SHELLFISH BUREAU EMAIL
oyster@dmr.ms.gov
