MS - FY26 mississippi artificial reef

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service awarded the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) $227,500 through the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) for fiscal year 2026. This formula grant, obligated on November 1, 2025, with a completion date of October 31, 2026, supports the development and maintenance of artificial reef infrastructure in Mississippi's coastal waters. The Sport Fish Restoration program funds activities designed to restore, conserve, manage, and enhance sport fish populations while providing public access to aquatic recreational resources. Financing derives from excise taxes on fishing equipment, electric outboard motors, motorboat fuel, and related maritime products.

Based on MDMR's historical grant activity under this program, the artificial reef project likely includes construction, installation, monitoring, and maintenance of reef structures that support sport fish habitat and recreational fishing opportunities in Mississippi's Gulf Coast region. The funding supports MDMR's broader coastal stewardship mission, which encompasses fisheries management, marine habitat restoration, and recreational fishing access improvements. As a state fish and wildlife agency with extensive experience administering federal grants totaling over $3.5 million through the Sport Fish Restoration program since 2021, MDMR is well-positioned to deliver effective project outcomes within the one-year performance period.