Keith Davis to lead the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources’ Office of Marine Patrol

Veteran law enforcement officer Keith Davis will become chief of the Department of Marine Resources' Marine Patrol on July 1.

Donald L. Bosarge II broke the state record for gray snapper, a.k.a. mangrove snapper, with this 15-pound, 4-ounce fish caught May 24.

Cecily O’Brien of Pascagoula now holds five state records after breaking the record for red porgy with a 4-pound, 2-ounce fish caught on May 21.

Veteran enforcement officer takes over July 1; DMR certifies 2 state records

Law enforcement veteran Keith Davis will lead the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources’ Office of Marine Patrol beginning July 1 at an annual salary of $70,000.

“Chief Davis brings a wealth of law enforcement knowledge to our agency and has proven himself as a leader professionally,” DMR executive director Jamie Miller said Thursday in announcing the hire. “I hold our Marine Patrol officers to the highest standard and believe Keith will continue to develop them into the preeminent law enforcement agency in Mississippi.”

Davis, 43, has worked in law enforcement on the Coast since 1993, including Gulfport Police, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Perkinston, D’Iberville Police and most recently as Moss Point police chief.

While he was captain of investigations in D’Iberville, Davis was selected to attend the FBI National Academy. Less than one percent of all law enforcement personnel are picked for that honor.

“I am excited to be here and to work with the Marine Patrol officers, DMR employees and the community,” Davis said. “We want to foster important partnerships with our recreational and commercial fishing industry that are conducive to the protection of life and property, as well as the marine resources we all enjoy.”

Two new records certified

The Commission on Marine Resources recently accepted certification of two new state salt water sport fishing records, and the names should sound familiar to fishermen who track such marks.

* Cecily O’Brien of Pascagoula now holds five state records after breaking the record for red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) with a 4-pound, 2-ounce fish caught on May 21. O’Brien also holds the records for Atlantic spadefish (9 pounds, 8 ounces), creolefish (1 pound, 8.69 ounces), Gulf toadfish (2 pounds, 3.2 ounces) and gray triggerfish (11 pounds, 3.96 ounces).

* Donald L. Bosarge II of Gautier added another listing with a 15-pound, 4-ounce gray or mangrove snapper (Lutjanus griseus) caught on May 24. He also holds the record for horse-eye Jack (25 pounds, 5 ounces). Bosarge did have another record, but his 3-pound, 11.68-ounce entry for red porgy was knocked out by O’Brien’s catch.

Captain’s Challenge approaching

The 3rd annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Charter Boat Captain’s Deep Sea Fishing Challenge will be July 11-Aug. 17, which coincides with the peak season for specific fish and offers fishermen chances to win cash and prizes.

Entry is free, with a booked charter on any of 14 participating boats within the tournament dates. Targeted species include cobia, redfish, shark, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, bonito and tarpon. This year’s tournament will feature cash and prizes valued at over $55,000, with special categories for youth as well as the newly added women’s category.

For participating boats, tournament details, prize listings and hotel accommodations visit www.deepseachallenge.ms and visit the tournament Facebook page.