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Fishermen sue Mississippi over plan to lease oyster reefs

On May 1, over 20 fishermen filed a lawsuit in Harrison County targeting the state agency responsible for marine resource management in Mississippi and its director, Joe Spraggins, challenging oyster reef leasing policies.
The lawsuit challenges a 2024 state bill allowing private leasing of up to 80% of Mississippi's public oyster reefs amid legislative attempts described as unconstitutional.
Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United Inc. Leads the fishermen, who argue leasing would exclude traditional oyster fishing families relying on reefs for their livelihoods.
MDMR presents the leasing plan as a method to increase oyster production and ensure compliance with environmental and conservation requirements during industry recovery after 2019 flooding.
The lawsuit raises concerns that leasing could unjustly limit fishermen's reef access, highlighting ongoing tensions over reef management and the oyster industry's future.

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