MCMR says Louisiana claim to more offshore waters illegal

LDWF action is contrary to federal law, agency claims.

The Mississippi Commission on Marine Resources on Monday (July 2) passed a resolution opposing a move last month by Louisiana’s state wildlife and fisheries agency to extend offshore water under its control.

The MCMR resolution has been submitted to the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.

Click here to read about the move by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission that claimed control of offshore waters out to 10.357 miles.

The MCMR resolution claims the move by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission violates Mississippi’s legislation.

“The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources’ Marine Patrol is directed to continue enforcing federal regulations in the new and extended area described in (the LWFC action) until directed to do otherwise by the Office of Law Enforcement for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,” the MCMR said in a news release from the Department of Marine Resources. “The MCMR urges the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office to take whatever actions deemed necessary to ensure that the State of Mississippi and its citizens are not adversely impacted by the unilateral and unlawful action of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.”

Louisiana’s proposed boundary extends into and encroaches upon federal waters adjacent to the Mississippi-Louisiana marine boundary and is a violation of federal law, the MCMR said.

“Only Congress or the courts can provide federal waters to a state,” the news release read. “Mississippi and Louisiana state waters currently extend 3 miles out from the barrier islands.”