Mississippi oyster reefs show signs of growth
Mississippi’s oyster reefs are showing signs of growth ahead of the 2026-2027 season.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources estimates surveyed reefs hold nearly 400,000 sacks of oysters, up from about 275,000 last year.
At a stakeholder meeting in Pass Christian, MDMR outlined restoration work completed over the summer and discussed the upcoming season with local fishermen.
The department says it placed limestone and shells across 236 acres of oyster habitat this summer.
Longtime Fisherman James Miller says the health of the reef is not his only concern. He says high fuel costs continue to cut into what he earns on the water. “If you come in with $10,000, you’re spending $3,500 on fuel, so that’s 33% of your profit. We’ve got a kind of show that we do have a good oyster for them to buy, and we can boost our market back up, and it’s going to take time.”
Oyster season opens October 1, nearly two weeks earlier than last year.
MDMR is keeping daily commercial limits at 15 sacks per tonging vessel and 20 sacks per dredging vessel.
