Gov. requests feds' fisheries disaster

Gov. Phil Bryant says he's requested the federal government declare a fisheries disaster in Mississippi as marine death rates climb in the Mississippi Sound for dolphins, oysters, and other marine life exposed to fresh water from the opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway north of New Orleans. “We are currently observing significant adverse impacts to all components of Mississippi’s marine resources,” the governor told the Sun Herald. The spillway has been opened an unprecedented two times this year. The last time was May 10 with no date determined as to when it will be closed. It’s also the first time the spillway has opened two consecutive years. Bryant said the marine deaths in the oyster population are at 70 percent, a figure that likely will increase as long as the spillway remains open. (Source: Sun Herald 06/07/19)