Mississippi Sound Coalition meets following U.S District Court ruling
The Mississippi Sound Coalition met to discuss their future plans following the U.S. District Court’s ruling last Wednesday.
On January 18th, the U.S. District Court ruled that the U.S. Corps of Engineers must consult with the National Marine Fisheries before opening the Bonnet Carre Spillway in the future, giving the Mississippi Sound Coalition a big win in the lawsuit.
One week later, the team got together at the Institute of Marine Mammal Studies to discuss its plans moving forward following the ruling. Institute for Marine Mammal Studies Director Dr. Moby Solangi said, “A small group of people, it’s like a David vs. Goliath issue, and being recognized that there was a huge issue related to activities of the corps and the polluted river water of the Mississippi Sound estuaries and affecting its nursery.”
A top discussion at the meeting was about how important it is to get support for the cause, so they can reach even more Mississippians and then moving higher. “Talk to our state leaders and then go to Washington and talk to our political leaders because this is going to be a problem that is to be solved politically by Congress.”
The coalition is hopeful that the U.S. Corps of Engineers use the ruling on the spillway as an opportunity to be more aware and to take more responsibility for the Marine ecosystems along the Coast. Lead Attorney Robert Wiygul said, “We’re optimistic that the Corps of Engineers is going to pay attention to the judge’s decision, and we’re hoping they are going to take this as an opportunity to work with people in South Mississippi instead of an opportunity to fight with people in South Mississippi.”
While there is still more work to be done, the coalition is continuing to stay positive throughout this fight.
