Shrimping waters north of Intracoastal Waterway to close; oyster reef to open

BILOXI, Miss. – Officials with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources announced Thursday that all waters north of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) in Mississippi territorial waters will be closed to shrimping at 12:01 a.m. January 1, 2017.

All regulations set forth in Mississippi State Statute and titles of the DMR will be in full force and effect, and all boats engaged in catching or transporting shrimp in or from Mississippi waters must be legally licensed. All other Mississippi territorial waters will remain open to shrimping as provided by law and the regulations of the Commission on Marine Resources.

For the latest updates on the Mississippi shrimp fishery, call the toll-free Shrimp Information Hotline 1-866-We Trawl (866-938-7295).

Officials also announced the reopening of conditionally approved Area II “B” for tonging only beginning at legal sunrise on Friday, Dec. 30. This area includes Waveland and St. Stanislaus reefs.

All other current rules and regulations remain in effect. Additional updates have been made in accordance with the Vibrio vulnificus Control Plan. This updated information is available at oyster check stations or by calling the Oyster Hotline at 228-374-5167 or 1-800-385-5902.

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.