BILOXI, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is now accepting applications for the Oyster Farming Fundamentals course being offered during the 2019–2020 season.
A RESTORE-Act project, Oyster Farming Fundamentals is a 15-hour, non-credit course that teaches current and potential oyster farmers the basics of off-bottom oyster aquaculture and provides a foundation of knowledge to start or improve their oyster farming operation.
Interested participants must meet and complete the following items to enroll:
- Complete and submit the application by 6 p.m. March 7, 2019
- Be a full-time Mississippi resident living in Hancock, Harrison or Jackson counties with the ability to attend training
- Be at least 18 years old as of March 16, 2019
- Have a valid boat registration
- Possess a valid Mississippi driver’s license
Applicants must be present at the “Required Information Session” at 6 p.m. on March 7 at the Bolton Building auditorium, 1141 Bayview Ave., Biloxi, MS 39530. During the session, expectations and requirements of the class will be reviewed.
The Oyster Farming Fundamentals class has 25 openings. If interest exceeds capacity, a lottery drawing will determine class entry. For more information about enrolling and eligibility requirements, visit dmr.ms.gov/index.php/programs/1183-notice-oyster-farm-training or contact Jason Rider at jason.rider@dmr.ms.gov or 228-523-4037.
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 dmr.ms.gov.
