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 office, Department of Agriculture, DMR, tourism and industry stakeholders would be formed to develop implementation details.

DMR staff also summarized House Bill 1095, which temporarily exempts certain off‑bottom leases from being sold at public auction when an owner becomes delinquent and authorizes the agency to take back leases without immediate reauction; staff said the change was intended to prevent uncertified buyers from obtaining leases unsuitable for off‑bottom aquaculture. Senate Bill 2263 (clarifying DMR authority to approve oyster leases) was reported as pending signature at the governor’s office; staff said the bill clarifies the agency may lease up to 80% of suitable bottom while preserving the remainder in state ownership.

Flood‑control and Mississippi River operations also drew discussion. Staff briefed the commission on the potential operation of the Bonnet Carré Spillway, explaining Corps projections that an opening could be required if the New Orleans gauge reaches about 17 feet or roughly 1,250,000 cubic feet per second, while the Morganza control is triggered at higher flows. Staff said Corps operations and the Lower Mississippi River study prioritize ways to mitigate impacts from planned openings.

The department also reported on disaster assistance programs tied to prior events. For the flood/disaster assistance program tied to the Bonnet Carré event(s), staff said approximately $8.7 million in funding had been allocated for Mississippi commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and charter operators; staff reported $8.4 million had been spent to date. Of 94 applicants for the program, 72 were found eligible and staff were processing second‑round payments. The program included 66 commercial fishermen, five charters and one dealer among the eligible recipients. A separate grant program for new and emerging seafood processing technologies reported $3.7 million in available funding with about $2.3 million distributed to 18 of 24 applicants (roughly 76% of funds distributed). Staff said an additional approximately $2.993 million was available and would be targeted to oyster and shrimp fishermen under a related 2020 assistance qualification.

Commissioners also noted that three DMR commissioners had been confirmed by the legislature: Commissioners McClendon, Robert and Mayfield. Staff said they would update the commission as the legislature determined special‑session timing for state budget matters.