FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 12/21/2007

DMR and Beau Rivage Plant Recycled Oyster Shells on Fort Bayou Fishing Reef

BILOXI, Miss. – The Shellfish and the Artificial Reef bureaus of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR) teamed up with Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in November 2007 to enhance a low-profile fishing reef using recycled oyster shells.

The oyster shells were a byproduct of the casino’s regular barge maintenance and were destined for a landfill.

“This is a great example of how a private company is proactive in protecting the environment, giving back to the community which they serve,” said Bradley Randall, DMR Shellfish Bureau Program Coordinator. “We would like to thank Ed Reardon and Jeff Abel of Beau Rivage for coming up with the idea and coordinating the oyster shell plant.”

Over 200 cubic yards of oyster shells were used to enhance 20 acres of fishing reef located in Fort Bayou in Biloxi’s Back Bay.

The oyster shells were donated and all expenses to deploy the shells were paid for by Beau Rivage.

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.state.ms.us.

For More Information:
Lauren Thompson
Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
lauren.thompson@dmr.ms.gov
Phone: (228) 523-4053

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For More Information:
Mary Cracchiolo-Spain, Beau Rivage
mcracchiolo@beaurivage.com
(228) 386-7134