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:
- Restore, enhance,
protect and manage Mississippi’s
remaining coastal estuarine
marsh ecosystems.
- Protect and
preserve habitat of any rare,
threatened or endangered species
of plants and animals present
on Coastal Preserves
- 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.
- Acquire restore
and protect unique habitats
and associated plant and animal
communities.
- Monitor populations
of non-indigenous species and
protect native species from
deleterious effects of non-indigenous
species.
- Contribute
to the viability and natural
biodiversity of coastal estuarine
marsh ecosystems through management.
- Develop coastal
preserve management strategies
that foster improved coordination
among federal, state, and local
entities with jurisdiction
and interests in coastal wetland
protection.
- 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:
| Natural
Area Preserves |
| |
Mississippi
Natural Heritage Law (Miss.
Code §49-5-141 et seq) |
| State
Parks |
| |
State Parks
and Forests (Miss. Code §55-3-1
et seq) |
| Natural
Area Preserves |
| |
Natural Areas
(Miss. Code §49-5-151
et seq) |
| Wildlife
Refuges |
| |
Wildlife codes
(Miss. Code §49-5-11
et seq) |
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