State of the Mississippi Fishing Industry

It’s been another year filled with uncertainty for Mississippi’s fishermen and some are sharing their concerns and hopes for the rest of the year.

- it's been another year filled - with uncertainty for- mississippi's - fishermen, and some are sharing- their concerns and hopes for- the rest of the year.

- local oyster farmer christopher- rhodes says the - economic impacts of covid-19 an- the legislative - budget battle over funding for- the department of marine- resources has posed challenges- for fishermen and - the seafood industry.

- rhodes points to increased- economic recovery as- restaurants and businesses get- back on their feet following- shutdowns, but questions still- surrounding d-m-r's budget are- still concerning.

- overall, rhodes hopes governor- reeves and the legislature can- come to an agreement soon on th- budget so that projects - like go-mesa funding can be - spent to protect coastal waters- and fishing zones.- - "you know that goes into- quality, safety.- there's just so many projects - and different contractors that- they go through.

When you - mention dmr, i don't think- anybody really gets the full- spectrum of the impact they - have here on the gulf coast.

On- our economy, on our people."- - - - rhodes says the local fishing - industry is resilient, but- securing funding for d-m-r will- ultimately go a long way in - providing fishermen with more - stability.- - gabby cox, sottz: "i'm gabby co- and