State / Commonwealth / Territory - Marine Managed Areas(MMAs)

M I S S I S S I P P I

Highlighted System: Coastal Preserves Program

The Mississippi Coast Reserve Program was developed in 1992 to provide for the acquisition, protection, and management of coastal wetland habitats. The coastal wetland habitats of Mississippi are among the most ecologically diverse systems in the country. These systems provide for ecological functions including pollution filtering, sediment trapping, flood control as well as serving as important nursery areas which increase the productivity of an abundant fishery resource. These ecological functions also provide economic benefits in the form of commercial and recreational fisheries, hunting, trapping, and many other forms of recreation and commerce.

The Mississippi Coastal Reserves Program is overseen by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, which is charged with the enhancement, protection and conservation of marine interest of the state. The Coastal Reserves Program is specifically dedicated to the preservation, conservation, restoration and management of Mississippi’s coastal ecosystems to perpetuate their natural characteristics, features, ecological integrity, social, economic and aesthetic values for future benefit. The goals of the Program are as follows:

1. Restore, enhance, protect and manage Mississippi’s remaining coastal estuarine marsh ecosystems.
2. Protect and preserve habitat of any rare, threatened or endangered species of plants and animals present on Coastal Preserves
3. Promote increased opportunities for public appreciation and enjoyment of Mississippi’s coastal estuarine wetlands that are compatible with protecting, preserving and enhancing the natural resources.
4. Acquire restore and protect unique habitats and associated plant and animal communities.
5. Monitor populations of non-indigenous species and protect native species from deleterious effects of non-indigenous species.
6. Contribute to the viability and natural biodiversity of coastal estuarine marsh ecosystems through management.
7. Develop coastal preserve management strategies that foster improved coordination among federal, state, and local entities with jurisdiction and interests in coastal wetland protection.
8. Increase public awareness and interest in the values and functions of coast wetlands, their habitats, and the ecosystems they are dependent upon.

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources in coordination with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office have undertaken these tasks and are well on their way to providing for the continued protection and conservation of a priceless resource. Mississippi Coastal Preserves will continue to provide for ecological, commercial and recreational needs of a state with a long history of enjoying the outdoors.

Relevant Agencies/Programs:

Marine Managed Area Systems:

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