Annual tidelands fund transfer to DMR

Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson’s office announced Monday how much money in tidelands funds has been returned to the Department of Marine Resources this year.

More than $6.3 million was collected for fiscal year 2025. This money will now be used by DMR for conservation programs and projects, as well as increased public access for areas on the Mississippi Coast.

The state of Mississippi owns 720,000 acres of public trust tidelands.

In a statement, Secretary Watson says the yearly transfer of these funds is a top priority for his office, as state leaders continue to seek ways to enhance our coastal lands.

The first tidelands transfer took place in 1997. Since then, more than $216 million has been transferred to the Coast through this program.