We, the undersigned Mississippi oyster fishermen, citizens, and stakeholders, stand united in opposition to the proposed leasing of oyster reefs in our state's waters. This proposal threatens our livelihoods, our environment, and the cultural heritage tied to Mississippi's rich marine ecosystems.
Our Concerns:
Threat to Livelihoods: Leasing oyster reefs will force oystermen to work for leaseholders, effectively making them dependent contractors while still bearing the same level of expenses, such as fuel, equipment, and maintenance. This will jeopardize their financial stability and independence.
Environmental Damage: These vital ecosystems are critical for water quality, marine biodiversity, and shoreline protection. Leasing risks overharvesting and long-term degradation.
Unjust Use of Public Resources: The rebuilding of the reefs is funded by Mississippi taxpayers, which should give citizens a voice in deciding how these public waters are managed.
Community Exclusion: Decisions about our shared waters must prioritize those most impacted—local fishermen, residents, and conservation groups.
Sustainable Alternatives: Investment in community-driven restoration and management practices offers a more sustainable path forward.
We Demand:
-An Immediate Halt to all plans to lease oyster reefs in Mississippi waters.
-Transparent Environmental and Economic Impact Assessments to fully understand the implications of leasing.
-Increased Community Involvement in decisions affecting our public waters and natural resources.
Learn more about the legilsation that authorized the private leasing of historic public oyster reefs in Mississippi:
Senate Bill 2648 (2024)(Thompson-MS48)
https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2024/pdf/history/SB/SB2648.xml
Title: AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 49-15-17, 49-15-27, 49-15-37, 49-15-38, 49-15-46, AS AMENDED BY HOUSE BILL NO. 1007, 2024 REGULAR SESSION, AND 49-15-47, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL REVISIONS TO THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES RELATING TO OYSTER CULTIVATION LEASES, THE SEAFOOD FUND, THE OYSTER PRODUCTION PRESERVE ACCOUNT AND THE COASTAL PRESERVE ACCOUNT; TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES TO RECONFIGURE OYSTER LEASE AREAS AND TO REVISE PERMITTED AREAS AND TO PROVIDE PROTEST PROCEDURES BY OYSTER LEASE APPLICANTS; TO PRESCRIBE CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR ANY PERSON VIOLATING THE PROVISIONS OF THE OYSTER BOTTOM LEASE PROGRAM; TO AMEND SECTION 51-11-105, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE THE UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS FROM THE EXISTING LOWER PEARL RIVER RESTORATION PROJECT AGREEMENT; TO REPEAL SECTION 27-19-56.27, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH AUTHORIZES A SPECIAL LICENSE TAG FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI SEAFOOD INDUSTRY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
For additional information and to get more involved email:
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