MCMR opens additional oyster areas and extends season

Additionally, some reefs normally open just for harvest by tonging: Conditionally Approved Area 2 “A” west of Longitude 89° 15.222’ W. (West of Pass Christian West Light 1) – which includes northern portions of Henderson Point Reef and portions of Hornet’s Reef; and Conditionally Approved Area 2 “B” – which includes St. Stanislaus and Waveland Reefs; are currently closed, but will open to harvest by dredging once they meet all criteria in their management plans.

Also, Conditionally Approved Area 1 “B,” which includes St. Joseph reef, is planned to be opened for harvest when it meets all criteria in its management plan.

All the reefs are scheduled to be closed Feb. 18 or if the water does not meet water quality standards set by MDMR.

This order is in accordance with The Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources Title 22, Part 1 and the “Order Opening the 2013‐2014 Limited Mississippi Oyster Season in Certain Waters Classified as Approved  or  Conditionally  Approved  by  the  Mississippi Commission  on  Marine  Resources,  and Placing Certain Restrictions on Oyster Harvesting Activities.”

For more information on the open and closed areas, call the MDMR’s 24‐hour Oyster Information Hot Line at 228‐374‐5167 or 1‐800‐385‐5902.