Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Seafood And Fisheries topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Biloxi council opposes proposed leasing of public oyster reefs; resolution passes unanimously
Summary
The Biloxi City Council unanimously approved a resolution opposing state proposals to lease public oyster reefs to private companies, citing threats to public access, coastal jobs and local economies. Commercial fishers and council members urged transparent, science-based management; organizers also reported a court preliminary injunction blocking
The Biloxi City Council on a unanimous vote approved a resolution expressing opposition to proposed state leases of public oyster reefs in Mississippi waters, saying the change could limit public access and harm small-scale commercial fishers.
Councilman Tisdale, who moved the resolution, framed the issue as a defense of a generations-old local industry and public access. “The Mississippi sound is not a privilege. It is a public treasure,” he said while introducing the measure.
The resolution followed a presentation from Ryan Bradley, executive director of Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United and a fifth-generation commercial fisherman. Bradley told the council that recent state law changes would allow leasing of a large share of permitted reefs and that his organization had sued to challenge those changes. He said a court issued a preliminary injunction halting leases while the case proceeds, and asked local officials to support small commercial fishers and oppose broad privatization.
Bradley summarized the fisheries’ recent history, saying oyster reefs suffered catastrophic mortality after 2019 freshwater releases and that recovery work — funded with federal and state dollars and aided by natural regrowth — is now producing harvestable reefs in parts of the sound. He warned council members that leasing most reefs to a few private companies could concentrate access and reduce harbor activity, slip rentals and related municipal revenue.
Council members from multiple wards described family histories in fishing and supported the resolution as a protection for coastal livelihoods. Councilman Gray said the reefs were designed “for our kids and their kids,” and that privatization could eliminate traditional access.
The motion — “Resolution of the mayor and city council expressing strong opposition to the proposed leasing of public oyster reefs in Mississippi waters and in support of commercial fishermen” — was moved by Councilman Tisdale, seconded by Mr. Gray, and recorded as passing unanimously.
Why it matters: Biloxi and other Gulf Coast communities derive direct economic and cultural value from public access to oyster reefs; council members said management choices that restrict access could affect local harbor activity, seafood businesses and long-standing traditions.
What council did next: The resolution will serve as a formal statement Biloxi officials can bring to state-level meetings; Bradley requested additional community engagement and local officials indicated willingness to attend hearings and meet with legislators and regulators.
