Temporary stop on leasing plan of 80 percent of oyster reefs

HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV)- A Harrison County judge has temporarily stopped the state’s plan to lease 80 percent of Mississippi’s public oyster reefs to private companies.

The judge put an injunction on the action until he makes a final decision.

Mississippi United Fisheries Limited filed a lawsuit on behalf of a group of oyster fishermen.

Although the decision isn’t final, the group considers this a victory and is looking ahead.

The state isn’t commenting on the injunction and hasn’t indicated whether it will appeal if the judge rules to stop the private leases plan.