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State Waters’ Boundary Extended, Federal Regulations Still Apply

13-63-SLP| May 28, 2013

BILOXI, Miss. – During the 2013 session, the Mississippi Legislature voted to amend Mississippi Code Section 3-3-1 to extend the territorial boundary of the State of Mississippi to three leagues seaward from the shoreline of Mississippi’s barrier islands, effective July 1, 2013. The federal government has not approved and does not recognize the newly extended boundary of Mississippi and has not recognized the 2011 boundary extension by Louisiana. The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources recommends that the boating and fishing public continue to comply with federal regulations within the extended boundary areas of Louisiana and Mississippi until a final resolution of the matter by Congress, a federal court decision recognizing the extensions, or further action of the Mississippi Legislature.

 

United States Coast Guard and other authorized federal agents patrol the waters off the coasts of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana to enforce federal regulations and have been issuing citations to Louisiana citizens who have been fishing within the extended boundary claimed by the State of Louisiana.

 

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: Susan Lepoma Perkins, APR
Phone: (228) 523-4124

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