Page 51 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2025

Estuaries are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, and here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, they are part of what makes our natural landscape so unique. But what exactly is an estuary?
An estuary is a dynamic coastal area where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean. This blend creates a brackish environment that functions as essential nurseries for marine life, buffers against storm surge, and natural filters for pollutants. Estuaries support biodiversity, improve water quality, and play a critical role in the health of coastal economies.
In South Mississippi, estuaries serve as the foundation for much of our fishing, shrimping, and oyster harvesting industries. They are also crucial habitats for migratory birds, threatened species, and countless varieties of fish, shellfish, and plants.
THE ROLE OF MDMR AND COASTAL PRESERVATION
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) plays a key role in managing and protecting the state’s coastal ecosystems, including estuaries, wetlands, and marine habitats. One of the most significant areas under MDMR’s care is the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR), an 18,000- acre site in Jackson County managed in partnership with USFWS as
part of a national NOAA program. Grand Bay NERR supports scientific research and monitoring, education, and stewardship efforts that restore wet pine savanna wetlands and help preserve Mississippi’s natural coastal heritage.
MDMR also oversees the Coastal Preserves Program, which protects 72,000 acres of marshes and wetlands across 20 unique sites. About 40,000 of these acres are currently managed by MDMR in collaboration with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office.
WHY GRAND BAY NERR IS IMPORTANT
Grand Bay NERR is one of the
most pristine and ecologically diverse estuarine systems in the Gulf. It includes salt marshes, tidal creeks, bayous, pine savannas, and coastal bays. This protected area is home to
a wide variety of wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins, ospreys, alligators, and rare plant species. It’s also a
vital spawning and nursery ground
for shrimp, blue crabs, oysters, and commercially important finfish.
Scientists at Grand Bay NERR conduct applied research and long-term monitoring on habitat restoration, sea level rise, and water quality. Their findings help improve coastal management both locally and nationally. The reserve also plays a major educational role, offering school field trips, teacher workshops, and community programs that teach residents about the importance
of estuarine conservation.
WHY ESTUARIES MATTER TO US ALL
Whether you’re boating through
a tidal creek, casting a line into brackish waters, or simply enjoying the view, you’re benefiting from the work of estuaries. They shield inland areas from flooding during storms, trap sediment and pollutants before they reach the ocean, and support a recreational and commercial fishing economy that feeds families and supports communities along the coast.
Protecting these areas improves the quality of life of coastal communities by supporting fishing and recreation, providing storm protection, and having wild places to explore and discover. The MDMR and Grand Bay NERR reach out to local communities and work to protect the gems in our backyard for future generations!
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
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