DMR reports on seafood labeling bill, oyster‑lease clarification and disaster assistance for fishermen

Department of Marine Resources staff updated the Mississippi Advisory Commission on Marine Resources about several legislative and disaster‑assistance matters including a new seafood labeling bill, statutory clarifications for oyster leases, and the status of financial assistance to fishery businesses following major coastal events.

Staff reported House Bill 602, a seafood and crawfish labeling measure that requires businesses to indicate whether seafood is imported or domestic, has passed both chambers and was expected to be sent to the governor for signature. The measure does not require full country‑of‑origin labeling at this time; the initial requirement is binary — domestic or imported — and staff said a task force including representatives from the governor’s office, lieutenant governor, speaker’s…