Mississippi Department of Marine Resources

09/04/2026

Governor Tate Reeves has proclaimed September 26, 2026, as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Mississippi, recognizing the important role hunting and fishing play in our state’s heritage, economy and outdoor way of life.

Here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, fishing is more than a pastime—it’s part of our culture. From generations of families spending time on the water to the commercial and recreational fishermen who make a living from our coastal resources, fishing connects Mississippians to the Gulf and to one another.

At the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, fishing and conservation are at the heart of what we do every day. From managing and protecting marine resources to supporting healthy fish populations, restoring habitat and providing opportunities for future generations to enjoy the outdoors, conservation is essential to keeping Mississippi’s waters and fisheries thriving.

National Hunting and Fishing Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the people who enjoy our great outdoors—and to recognize our shared responsibility to protect these resources for generations to come.

MDWFP is excited to once again celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day!⁠
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September marks the start of hunting seasons for many in the Magnolia State, with opportunities ranging from dove hunting, velvet season for deer, and cooler weather for fishing. These traditions not only connect Mississippians with the outdoors but also contribute significantly to conservation and the state’s local and statewide economy.
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This year, Governor Reeves has proclaimed September 26th, 2026, as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Mississippi. Hunters and anglers across our state contribute millions each year through the American System of Conservation Funding - boosting our economy and protecting our natural resources.⁠
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Share your passion by introducing someone new to hunting or fishing this year and make memories together in Mississippi’s great outdoors.

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

Rick Burris, MDMR Chief Scientific Officer and Jared Harris, Office of Coastal Resources Management Deputy Director attended the Mississippi State University College of Forest Resources Career Fair earlier this week. They spent the day connecting with students and sharing meaningful career opportunities at MDMR in fisheries, aquaculture and natural resource management. Engaging with motivated and talented future professionals is always a highlight and we’re excited to see where their paths lead!

09/03/2026

We are currently accepting applications for a Marine Patrol Dispatch Contract Worker. Application deadline is September 18, 2026 at 10 a.m.

For more information about the position and to download the application, visit https://dmr.ms.gov/3140004674-rfa.

09/02/2026

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) will host a stakeholder meeting to discuss the upcoming 2026/2027 oyster season. The meeting will be held Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pass Christian Police Department and Emergency Operations Center, located at 525 Espy Avenue in Pass Christian. MDMR staff will provide updates on the upcoming season, harvest management, ongoing shellfish restoration efforts and take questions and input from oyster harvesters and dealers. The meeting is open to the public.

For more information, contact the MDMR Shellfish Bureau at 228-697-2535.

09/01/2026

For Marine Emergencies: 1-844-WE-R-MDMR or 228-523-4134
(Marine Patrol operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Purchase a Fishing License:
- Online at licensing.outdoors.ms
- In person at any Academy Sports or Walmart on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

08/31/2026

We are currently hiring a Finfish Scientist in the Office of Marine Fisheries. The position closes September 2, 2026.

To view the job description and qualifications, visit https://dmr.ms.gov/employment.

Apply on the Mississippi State Personnel Board’s website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mississippi

08/31/2026

Meet Becky Hardgrove, Microbiology Laboratory Director at the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. Since joining MDMR’s Seafood Technology Bureau in 2023, Becky has become an incredible asset to our agency. With a strong commitment to public health and safety, she plays a vital role in ensuring our laboratory meets the highest standards for monitoring Mississippi’s coastal waters and seafood supply.

Before coming to MDMR, Becky spent 13 years as the Shellfish Sanitation Program Manager at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs. She brings a wealth of knowledge in seawater quality, microbiological testing and regulatory compliance.

Highly proficient in the NSSP Guide for the Control of Molluscan Shellfish, Becky also has extensive experience maintaining laboratory operations in compliance with FDA standards. Her background in biology and coastal sciences, combined with ongoing training in microbiology standards, gives her a strong scientific foundation and deep understanding of seafood safety.

Becky’s expertise, dedication and leadership make her a powerhouse in the lab and a trusted resource in the field of seafood safety and public health. We’re proud to have her on the MDMR team!

08/26/2026

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources certified a youth state saltwater fishing record for the month of August. Using conventional tackle, Ben Cain of Lexington, Miss., set the record for Bonnethead Shark (Sphyrna tiburo) with a fish
weighing 10 pounds, 13.44 ounces.

08/25/2026

Officials with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources announced today that the recreational fishing seasons for Gag (Mycteroperca microlepsis) and Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) will open in Mississippi territorial waters on September 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. local time.

The recreational fishing season for Gag will close on October 1, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. local time, and the recreational fishing season for Greater Amberjack will close on October 14, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. local time.

Press Release:

26-35-CWS | August 25, 2026 BILOXI, Miss. – Officials with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources announced today that the recreational fishing seasons for Gag (Mycteroperca microlepsis) and Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) will open in Mississippi territorial waters on September 1, 20...