WORKSHOPS & TRAINING
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources features a variety of workshops and training available to the public. Topics, as well as location, vary for each of the workshops and sessions offered. Click on a flyer or link below for more information.
AVAILABLE WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING
Aquaculture Advanced Seed Production Training Program
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) is now accepting applications for the Oyster Aquaculture Advanced Seed Production Training Program for the 2025 summer/fall season. This project will provide advanced training in hatchery operations for program graduates. It will equip experienced off-bottom oyster aquaculture (OBOA) farmers with specialized skills in high-quality oyster seed production, directly benefiting aquaculture farms across Mississippi and the Gulf of America.
The program is a free 100-hour course intended to provide oyster farmers and industry professionals in Mississippi with a foundation of knowledge specializing in hatchery operational basics and extensive larval culture and seed production.
Topics in the course will include water quality management, broodstock conditioning, spawning, larval culture and health assessment, setting of pediveligers and grading and counting seed. The classroom and coursework will be held at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center, as well as other sites. Below is a schedule of class dates and expectations. The program will give priority in selection to participants in the Mississippi commercial seafood industry, graduation in the MDMR OBOA class, as well as potential people entering the seed production workforce.
For more information about class details, enrolling and eligibility requirements, please visit https://dmr.ms.gov/shellfish/aquaculture-adv-seed-production-training/ or contact the MDMR Shellfish Bureau at oyster@dmr.ms.gov or 228-374-5000.
2025-2026 Off-Bottom Oyster Aquaculture Program
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is accepting applications for the 2025 – 2026 Off-Bottom Oyster Aquaculture Training Program from March 10th, 2025, through March 21st, 2025, with a formal informational session scheduled for the evening of April 1st, 2025.
This program is specifically designed to provide aspiring commercial oyster farmers in Mississippi with a strong comprehensive foundation in off-bottom oyster aquaculture. The 30-hour, no-cost course will equip participants with essential knowledge necessary to start their oyster farming operations. The course will cover a broad range of topics, including oyster biology, hatchery basics, nursery options, seed handling, farm site selection, overview of off-bottom culture gear, methods to control fouling, splitting and grading, business planning, risk management, permitting, public health considerations, and marketing.
Participants will receive approximately 10,000 oyster seeds to gain hands-on experience with oyster culture and the opportunity to use one “run” of oyster farming gear within the Deer Island Oyster Park through May 31st, 2026. All participants will be required to document any oyster production in the training program, follow best management practices at the training site, and return any loaned gear in clean, working order to the MDMR.
The course will be held at the Bolton Building (and other locations) at 1141 Bayview Ave Biloxi, MS 39530, on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to approximately noon. Classes are currently scheduled for May 3rd, May 24th, June 14th, July 12th, and August 2nd, with the final class set for the spring of 2026. Trainee attendance is mandatory at all classes.
The Off-Bottom Oyster Aquaculture Program has 12 openings. If interest exceeds capacity, participants may be asked to partner with other participants. Priority selection will be given to participants in the Mississippi commercial seafood industry, particularly those holding commercial seafood licenses (harvester, processor, etc.) for at least three of the last five years.
Interested participants must meet and/or complete the following items to enroll:
- Applications will be available from March 10th – March 21st, 2025
- Complete and submit the application by 11:59 p.m. March 21st, 2025
- Be a full-time Mississippi resident living in Hancock, Harrison or Jackson counties with the ability to attend training
- Be at least 18 years old as of June 1st, 2025
- Have a valid boat registration in the applicant’s name
- Possess a valid Mississippi driver’s license
- Must be present at the “Required Informational Session” on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025, at 6 p.m.
For more information about enrolling and eligibility requirements, please contact a MDMR Shellfish Bureau staff at oyster@dmr.ms.gov or 228-374-5000.
Oyster Harvester Training - Multiple Dates
Free to all harvesters in state and out of state.
All oyster fishermen are required to obtain their harvester certificate by attending one of these classes prior to purchasing their oyster license. The certification is valid for five years.
Classes will be offered in person at the Bolton Building (1141 Bayview Avenue Biloxi, MS 39530) unless otherwise noted. Participants must have access to the internet if attending virtually.
Appointments are encouraged. To register: call 228-374-5000 or email oyster@dmr.ms.gov.
PAST WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING
MDMR is offering a free ServSafe class and test for Mississippi seafood industry members. Space is limited to the first 30 registrants. Participants must present a valid ID on the day of the class. Refreshments will be provided.
Time: 8-5 p.m. with testing time 5-7 p.m. as needed
Location: Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, located at 115 E. 1st St., Biloxi 39530
Mississippi Resident Cost: Free
Out-of-State Cost: $160
For more information, contact a Seafood Technology Bureau representative at (228) 374-5000 or seafood@dmr.ms.gov.
Free to all harvesters in state and out of state.
All oyster fishermen are required to obtain their harvester certificate by attending one of these classes prior to purchasing their oyster license. The certification is valid for five years.
The MDMR is holding Oyster Harvester Training Classes on the following dates and times:
- Wednesday, October 30, 2024: Hourly from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Monday, November 4, 2024: Hourly from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Friday, November 8, 2024: Hourly from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Friday, November 8, 2024: Virtual attendance only at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.
These classes will be offered in person at the Bolton Building (1141 Bayview Avenue Biloxi, MS 39530) unless otherwise noted. Participants must have access to the internet if attending virtually.
Appointments are encouraged. To register: call 228-523-4088 or email oyster@dmr.ms.gov.
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Miss Resident Cost: Free, Out-of-State Cost: $160
Mississippi students, seafood industry members and restaurant employees are encouraged to attend. Space is limited to the first 25 registrants per class. Refreshments are provided. All participants receive an Association of Food and Drug Officials certificate upon completion.
Free to all harvesters in state and out of state.
MDMR is offering an Oyster Harvester Training Friday, August 23, 2024, at 10:30 am. All oyster fishermen are required to obtain their harvester certificate by attending one of these classes prior to purchasing their oyster license. Certifications are valid for five years. This class will be offered in person at the Bolton Building (1141 Bayview Avenue Biloxi, MS 39530).
To register: call 228-523-4088 or email oyster@dmr.ms.gov.
Free to all harvesters in state and out of state. MDMR is offering an Oyster Harvester Training Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 10:30 am and 1 pm. All oyster fishermen are required to obtain their harvester certificate by attending one of these classes prior to purchasing their oyster license. Certifications are valid for five years. This class will be offered virtually. Participants must have access to the internet for attendance.
To register: call 228-523-4088 or email oyster@dmr.ms.gov.
Free to all harvesters in state and out of state.
MDMR is offering an Oyster Harvester Training October 11, 2022, at 9:30 am. All oyster fishermen are required to obtain their harvester certificate by attending one of these classes prior to purchasing their oyster license. Certifications are valid for five years. This class will be offered in person and virtually. Each class is limited to 10 people. If participants chose to attend virtually, they must have access to the internet to participate.
To register: call 228-523-4088 or email oyster@dmr.ms.gov.
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Miss Resident Cost: Free, Out-of-State Cost: $160
The purpose of this course is to educate seafood dealers, processors and employees about hazards which can be introduced in seafood and the preventive measures that are used to control these hazards.
Free to all harvesters in state and out of state.
MDMR is offering an Oyster Harvester Training June 3, 2022, at 9 am.
All oyster fishermen are required to obtain their harvester certificate by attending one of these classes prior to purchasing their oyster license. Certifications are valid for five years. This class will be offered in person and virtually. Each class is limited to 10 people. If participants chose to attend virtually, they must have access to the internet to participate.
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MDMR is offering an Oyster Harvester Training April 12, 2022, at 9 am.
Free to all harvesters in state and out of state.
All oyster fishermen are required to obtain their harvester certificate by attending one of these classes prior to purchasing their oyster license. Certifications are valid for five years. This class will be offered in person and virtually. Each class is limited to 10 people. If participants chose to attend virtually, they must have access to the internet to participate.
To register: call 228-523-4088 or email oyster@dmr.ms.gov.
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Miss Resident Cost: Free, Out-of-State Cost: $160
The purpose of this course is to educate seafood dealers, processors and employees about hazards which can be introduced in seafood and the preventive measures that are used to control these hazards.
Free to all harvesters in state and out of state.
MDMR is offering a virtual Oyster Harvester Training class May 17th at 10 a.m. All oyster fishermen are required to obtain or renew their harvester certificate by attending one of these classes prior to purchasing their oyster license. Certifications are valid for five years. Each class is limited to 10 people. Classes will not be taught in person. Participants must have access to the internet to participate.
To register: Please call Alicia Carron at 228-523-4088 or email oyster@dmr.ms.gov.
The purpose of this class is to educate harvesters on the safe handling of oysters
This workshop is mandatory for any Mississippi resident commercial fisherman who intends to obtain a Commercial Shark Endorsement in addition to possessing the applicable commercial harvesting licenses.
If you are interested in obtaining a commercial shark endorsement, please contact Jonathan Barr at 228-523-4051 or email jonathan.barr@dmr.ms.gov
Free to all harvesters in state and out of state
The purpose of this class is to educate harvesters on the safe handling of oysters
Miss Resident Cost: Free, Out-of-State Cost: $100
This workshop is designed to provide information about safe seafood practices through the implementation and monitoring of sanitary control procedures.
Miss Resident Cost: Free, Out-of-State Cost: $125
The purpose of this course is to educate seafood dealers, processors and employees about hazards which can be introduced in seafood and the preventive measures that are used to control these hazards.
Miss Resident Cost: Free, Out-of-State Cost: $75
This workshop is designed to provide information about safe seafood practices through the implementation and monitoring of sanitary control procedures.
Registration required, FREE to attend
This Workshop is an opportunity for nature-based tourism business owners to gain insight in the Gulf Coast Outpost recognition program by the MS Gulf Coast National Heritage Area. Interested business owners will work through a checklist for recognition to determine eligibility and next steps. Registration begins August 15. Visit bit.ly/gcoworkshop for details.
Miss Resident Cost: Free, Out-of-State Cost: $125
The purpose of this course is to educate seafood dealers, processors and employees about hazards which can be introduced in seafood and the preventive measures that are used to control these hazards.
Free to all harvesters in state and out of state.
MDMR is offering webinar Oyster Harvester Training classes June 22 and 29 at 10 a.m. and 3pm. All oyster fishermen are required to obtain or renew their harvester certificate by attending one of these classes prior to purchasing their oyster license. Certifications are valid for five years.
Each class is limited to 10 people. Classes will not be taught in person. Participants must have access to the internet to participate.
TO REGISTER:
Please call 228-374-5000 or 228-523-4066 with name, phone number, and preferred class date
The purpose of this class is to educate harvesters on the safe handling of oysters
