Page 97 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2025

The Mississippi Seafood Marketing Program serves as an ambassador to support Mississippi’s seafood industry, which includes shrimp, crab, oyster, and finfish, through programs that encourage the use of Mississippi Gulf Fresh Seafood to consumers and for commercial use.
Grant funded and managed by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, its mission is to support and provide oversight for programs which enhance the state’s marine resources that includes fishermen, processors, wholesalers, charter boat operators, retailers, restaurant owners and others directly, and indirectly, related to the Mississippi seafood industry.
Learn more at msseafood.com.
protection to all seafood and crawfish products.
“Our Mississippi Gulf Coast seafood producers and processors
set the gold standard when it comes to food safety, and Mississippi consumers will now be able to easily identify the seafood’s country of origin when making buying decisions,” Gipson said. “I am truly excited to partner with Director Spraggins and the Department of Marine Resources as we work together to strengthen and protect Mississippi’s Gulf Coast seafood industry.”
Advocates for the bill say the new requirement benefits not only consumers, but also the state’s seafood economy, which has faced significant challenges in recent years from natural disasters, oil spills, and foreign competition. They believe clearer labeling will help level the playing field for domestic producers.
“This transparency not only supports local fishermen and businesses but also holds establishments accountable,” Spraggins said. “As we embrace this change, we reaffirm our commitment to honesty, quality, and the rich culinary traditions that define Mississippi.”
For more information about the new labeling law and how to comply, visit www.dmr.ms.gov or www.mdac.ms.gov.
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