#OYSTER DREDGE LICENSE#

Pertinent information about the opening and closing of reefs is available by calling the MDMR toll-free 24-hour Oyster Information Hotline at 22 or 80. Such closures are released to local newspapers, television and radio media. They include:įollowing a rainfall, elevated river stage or other pollution event, conditionally approved reefs and affected privately leased areas may be temporarily closed to oystering when poor water quality conditions exist. Several natural reefs are located in approved and conditionally approved waters. The harvesting, shucking, processing and sale of oysters must conform to all regulations specified by state statute and regulations adopted by the MDMR. Oysters may be taken only from those waters approved for shellfish harvest by the MDMR. *Definitions from the National Shellfish Sanitation Program’s “Guide for the Control of Molluscan Shellfish.” Oyster Reefs Prohibited AreaĪ classification used to identify a growing area where the harvest of shellstock for any purpose, except depletion or gathering of seed for aquaculture, is not permitted.

#OYSTER DREDGE LICENSE#

Restricted AreaĪ classification used to identify a growing area where harvesting shall be by special license and the shellstock, following harvest, is subjected to a suitable and effective treatment process through relaying or depuration. This includes rainfall total and river stages. Conditionally Approved AreaĪ classification used to identify a growing area that meets the criteria for the approved classification except under certain conditions described in a management plan. Definitions To Know* Approved AreaĪ classification used to identify a growing area where harvest for direct marketing is allowed. State rules and regulations for oyster harvesting and transport can be found in MDMR Title 22 Regulations, Part 1 and Part 17. Restrictions on the maximum number of dredges per vessel and the maximum number of sacks harvested daily will be established seasonally by the MDMR. Hand dredges may only be used in harvest areas designated for dredging and are prohibited in tonging areas. A ‘hand’ dredge is smaller in size and has the following specifications: weighs not more than 40 pounds has 10 or less teeth a single tooth is not more than 5.25 inches in length. The teeth of a dredge must be 5 inches or less in length and there may not be more than 16 teeth per dredge. An appropriate recreational or commercial oyster harvesting license is required for all methods of harvesting oysters within Mississippi waters.Ī dredge may not exceed a weight of 115 pounds.

There are two methods to harvesting oysters: dredging and tonging. Mississippi’s oyster season for public reefs usually occurs between the colder months of October to April.

Oyster dredge