16-11-MMS| March 2, 2016
BILOXI, Miss. – Two oyster areas will reopen for harvesting at legal sunrise Thursday, March 3, officials with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources announced Wednesday.
The reefs have been closed since 4 p.m. Dec. 11 because of the red tide, the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway and excessive rainfall.
“After months of being closed, I am happy to announce Mississippi’s oyster season will open again,” MDMR Executive Director Jamie M. Miller said. “This has been another difficult year for our oyster industry, but MDMR remains committed to enhancing the resource moving forward for the benefit of everyone in the industry.”
The two conditionally approved areas that will open are:
Area II “E” – This includes Square Handkerchief reef and southern portions of Henderson Point Reef.
Area II “F” – This includes southern portions of the Pass Christian Reef.
The daily sack limit is 15 for tonging and 25 for dredging. All other current rules and regulations remain in effect.
For more information, call the MDMR 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.
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