HancockCountyRelief

Artifical Reef Rebuilding

MLS-06-59 August 30, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WHO: Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR)
WHAT: Loading approximately 500 concrete culverts stored at Pass Christian Harbor onto barges to rebuild artificial reefs damaged by Hurricane Katrina
WHERE: Pass Christian Harbor
WHEN: Loading Friday, Sept. 1, 2006 at 9 a.m.
BACKGROUND: The DMR will begin loading barges with approximately 500 concrete culverts donated by the City of Pass Christian (from the front beach drainage system in Harrison County, which was damaged by Hurricane Katrina. On Sept. 5, Mathews Marine of Pass Christian will begin distributing the culverts on Fish Havens 1 and 2, which are reefs located in the Gulf of Mexico about 25 miles south of Biloxi.
Hurricane Katrina damaged about 80 percent to 90 percent of Mississippi’s nearshore and offshore artificial fishing reefs on Aug. 29, 2005.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the State by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the DMR online at www.dmr.state.ms.us.

—END—
Marti Schuman Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Public Affairs Representative 1141 Bayview Ave. Biloxi, MS 39530 (228) 523-4052 (228) 297-9870 (cell) marti.schuman@dmr.state.ms.us

posted by Leslie @ 9/01/2006 06:23:00 PM