BILOXI, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR), Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and The University of Southern Mississippi are hosting a Mississippi Artificial Reef Seminar on Tuesday, March 12, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the first-floor meeting room of the Bolton Building at 1141 Bayview Ave., Biloxi. The seminar is part of a series aimed at enhancing familiarity between interested groups and increasing awareness of the programs, needs and opportunities that are relevant to marine research in Mississippi waters.

The free seminar will begin with a brief overview by MDMR Fisheries Office Director Dale Diaz, followed by Keynote Speakers Kerwin Cuevas, MDMR Artificial Reef Bureau Director and Jimmy Sanders, MDMR Artificial Reef Bureau Fisheries Scientist, speaking on the "Mississippi Artificial Reef Program."

Additional talks scheduled are:

• "Invasive Species – A Threat to Mississippi’s Artificial Reef Fish Habitats," Mike Pursley, MDMR

• "Red Snapper Aquaculture and Stock Enhancement: Opportunities, Issues and Research Needs," Eric Saillant, Ph.D., USM Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

• "Fishing Mississippi’s Artificial Reefs," Capt. Lenny Maiolatesi, Fighting Chicken Sportfishing Charters

All interested parties are welcome to attend. For more information, contact DMR Sport Fish Restoration Coordinator Rick Burris at (228) 374-5000.

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 www.dmr.ms.gov.