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Ocean and Coastal Management in Mississippi

Mississippi's Coastal Program

The Mississippi Coastal Program, approved by NOAA in 1980, is comprised of a network of agencies with authority in the coastal zone. The Department of Marine Resources (DMR), through the Office of Coastal Ecology, serves as the lead agency. DMR is governed by a Commission on Marine Resources appointed by the Governor. The primary authority guiding the Coastal Program is the Coastal Wetlands Protection Act, which includes a wetlands plan designating the allowable use of the state's tidal wetlands. The Mississippi coastal zone includes the three coastal counties as well as all adjacent coastal waters and the barrier islands of the coast.

The Coastal Program is responsible for permitting, federal consistency review, and the Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program. Through the Coastal Preserves Program, DMR protects and restores coastal habitats. The Comprehensive Resource Management Plan is the primary program through which DMR provides technical assistance for managing coastal development, with a focus on stormwater management, smart growth, and GIS training.

Mississippi's National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, a 18,400-acre natural area, is located in Jackson County between Pascagoula and the Alabama State line. The reserve was designated in 1999 and the lead management agency is the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. The Reserve encompasses coastal bay, expansive saltwater marshes, maritime pine forest, pine savanna, and pitcher plant bogs.

As part of the Grand Bay Savannah Conservation Partnership, the Grand Bay Reserve is participating in a prescribed burn management program for the East Mississippi Sound Region. This project is widely supported by local and state government agencies as well as the oil and gas industry with facilities in adjacent fire-dependent woodlands. The Reserve also offers coastal decision workshops designed for lawmakers, regulators, and others who make decisions that affect coastal resources.  

Program Highlights

Alabama and Mississippi Launch Clean Marina Program

Gulf of Mexico Alliance

Links

Mississippi Coastal Program — The Department of Marine Resources website provides information about coastal resources, permitting, coastal preserves, and the Comprehensive Resource Management Plan.

Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve — The website provides information on the reserve’s research, education, and the coastal training program and recreational opportunities.

Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology — This program brief describes investments in technology development and research projects for the state of Mississippi.

Marine Protected Areas in Mississippi — A summary of marine protected areas and programs in the state.

Marine Protected Areas — Search for marine protected areas by state, region, or topic area.

Mississippi Coastal Nonpoint Program Conditional Approval Document — The Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program encourages better coordination between state coastal zone managers and water quality experts to reduce polluted runoff in the coastal zone.

Mississippi Coastal Program Evaluation (2004) — The Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management conducts periodic performance reviews of federally approved state coastal management programs.

Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Evaluation (2008) — The Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management conducts periodic performance reviews of estuarine research reserves.

Contact Information for Mississippi’s Programs

Mississippi Office of Coastal Ecology
Department of Marine Resources
1141 Bayview Avenue, Suite 101
Biloxi, MS 39530
(228)- 374-5000

Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
6005 Bayou Heron Road
Moss Point, MS 39562
(228) 475-7047

 

 

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