Mississippi MDEQ Allocates $30 Million to Restore 1,500 Acres of Commercial Oyster Reefs

JACKSON, MS — The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and the Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) announced the release of $30 million from the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund to execute the comprehensive Mississippi Sound Oyster Reef Restoration Initiative.

Revitalizing Coastal Fisheries and Natural Storm Barriers

The funding packages finance the deployment of 200,000 cubic yards of limestone cultch and recycled oyster shells across 1,500 acres of historical public oyster reefs in Pass Christian, Biloxi Bay, and Bay St. Louis. Marine biologists note that restoring living oyster reefs filters 75 million gallons of coastal seawater daily, improves water clarity, and creates natural wave-attenuation breakwaters that protect coastal marshes from storm surges.

Governor Tate Reeves stated that revitalizing Mississippi's oyster harvest supports commercial seafood harvesters while building resilient coastal ecosystems.

Commercial Fishermen and Marine Science Perspectives

Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United leaders praised the large-scale cultch deployment, anticipating a return to commercial harvest productivity within 36 months.

Gulf Coast Research Laboratory scientists established long-term water salinity and larval spat settlement monitoring buoys.

Marine Cultch Placement Schedule

Marine cultch deployment vessels will commence water operations across Pass Christian reefs in September 2026.