Read the Mississippi Sound Estuary Program Comprehensive Conservation & Management Plan
On behalf of the Mississippi Sound Estuary Program (MSEP), we are pleased to present our inaugural Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). This document represents the collective efforts of the MSEP Management Conference, staff, and their associated networks to identify priority actions needed to improve stewardship of the Mississippi Sound and its connected watersheds.
Learn about Art Doing Its Part!
A statewide art and slogan competition for high school students.
To raise awareness of the connection between local litter and the pollution of our waterways, Art Doing Its Part is a statewide art and slogan competition aimed at personalizing the issue for communities by showcasing litter challenges specific to their regions, illustrating how local actions impact local and distant environments. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility, the contest encourages communities to take pride in their surroundings and actively participate in waste reduction, prevention, and cleanup efforts.
Who we Are and What We Do
shaping the future of the Mississippi Sound
how you can support the program
Learn more about our programs
Basins of the Mississippi Sound Watershed
Healthy watersheds play a crucial role in safeguarding water quality and offer more advantages to the inhabitants than degraded ones.
One of the primary goals of the MSEP is the development of a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. The plan will serve as a guide in directing the efforts of stakeholders regarding preservation, restoration, resilience, and stewardship of the watersheds that drain into Mississippi Sound.
Upcoming Events
June 6, 2026 | 10:00-11:30 AM
Growing native wetland plants for coastal restoration workshop
A free event for anyone interested in growing native wetland plants!
Join the Native Plant Producer Network at the Weeks Bay Resource Center for a workshop on Growing Native Wetland Plants for Coastal Restoration!
Learn about the program, native plant species, opportunities to get involved, and key coastal ecology issues in the Gulf. This in-person workshop will offer valuable knowledge and hands-on insights for anyone interested in protecting and restoring our coastal environments through native plant production
*Refreshments provided
At the Weeks Bay Resource Center | 11525 US Hwy 98, Fairhope, AL 36532
June 13, 2026 | 8:30 AM- 1:00 PM
Petit Bois Barrier Island Cleanup
Help us cleanup the barrier islands!
Volunteers will meet at the Pascagoula point boat launch – 645 Beach Blvd Pascagoula, MS 39567 at 8:30 a.m. and will return to boat launch by 1 p.m.
Transportation to the island will be provided by charter-for-hire boat captains. Boats WILL DEPART by 9 a.m. Volunteers must be on board at 9 a.m.
Volunteers are welcome to meet us at the cleanup site. Please let us know when prompted in the registration form so that we can provide the coordinates of our cleanup location.
June 8-12, 2026 | 8:00 AM- 3:00 PM
REGISTRATION CLOSED | Mississippi Student Naturalist camp
REGISTRATION CLOSED, ALL SPOTS HAVE BEEN FILLED
Calling all students ages 14–17! Join us for an exciting 5-day summer camp exploring the incredible ecosystems of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Campers will discover the animals and plants these habitats support, learn how these ecosystems are managed, and dive into hands-on activities that highlight real volunteer opportunities. Along the way, students will build a deeper connection to the coast and be inspired to become stewards who help preserve and protect these vital ecosystems for the future. Students will gain the certification of Student Naturalist upon completion of the camp.
At the MSU Coastal Research & Extension Center | 1815 Popp’s Ferry Rd, Biloxi, MS 39532
June 15-19, 2026 | 9:00 AM- 3:30 PM
Registration Closed | 2026 GRITS STEM summer Camp
Open to high school juniors and seniors!
FREE EVENT | During this hands on week, students will build real world skills used in coastal science and restoration projects, including living shoreline construction. Participants will gain experience in boat driving and trailering, drone operations, RTK GPS technology, plant identification, soldering, wave energy measurement, and more. Campers will also enjoy a boat trip to the Mississippi barrier islands and learn about exciting STEM career pathways from professionals in the field.
GRITS is an incredible opportunity for students to develop practical skills, explore STEM careers, and earn a certificate that will strengthen resume and college applications.
At the MSU Coastal Research & Extension Center | 1815 Popp’s Ferry Rd, Biloxi, MS 39532
June 22-25, 2026 | 8:00 AM- 3:00 PM
2026 Teacher Workshop
Join the Coastal and Marine Extension Program for their third annual collaborative teacher workshop. Our in-house organizations, the Coastal Conservation and Restoration Program, Program for Local Adaptation to Climate Effects (PLACE), and Mississippi Sound Estuary Program will be leading an engaging, hands-on workshop that highlights our education/ outreach programs focused on educating students about conservation, restoration, and environmental stewardship. Earn 2.6 CEUs for completing the workshop!
At the MSU Coastal Research & Extension Center | 1815 Popp’s Ferry Rd, Biloxi, MS 39532
July 1, 2026 | 6:00-7:00 PM
Living shoreline workshop for property owners at Weeks Bay
Discover how living shorelines can combat erosion and explore our technical assistance and cost-share options.
Through our living shoreline technical assistance program, property owners can receive free: shoreline assessment, living shoreline design, and living shoreline permitting assistance.
In addition to the technical assistance, our living shoreline cost-share program is currently offering cost-assistance to shoreline property owners for installation of a living shoreline. This assistance will cover a portion of material costs for portions of the project below the mean high water line.
At the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve | 11300 US-98, Fairhope, AL 36532
July 5-11, 2026
REGISTRATION CLOSED | Investigating Coastal Biodiversity: A hybrid german-american field camp
All spots have been filled.
We’re thrilled to team up with POCACITO for the annual German-American Investigating Coastal Biodiversity Camp — a FREE, week-long adventure at Camp Wilkes in Biloxi!
This unique international camp brings together students from Mississippi and Germany to explore coastal ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship — all in a vibrant, hands-on, and culturally diverse setting.
At the Camp Wilkes | 2109 Camp Wilkes Rd., Biloxi, MS 39532
July 11, 2026 | 8-10AM
2026 Star-spangled banner cleanup
Join us for our annual cleanup on the Saturday following 4th of July celebrations. This is a family-friendly volunteer opportunity aimed at removing firework debris from our beaches before they end up in our waters.
Locations across the MS Gulf Coast
July 10, 2026 | 8:30 AM- 1:00 PM
Ship island Barrier Island Cleanup
Help us cleanup the barrier islands!
Volunteers will meet at the Point Cadet Marina in
Biloxi, MS at 8:30 a.m. and will return to boat launch by 1 p.m.
Transportation to the island will be provided by charter-for-hire boat captains. Boats WILL DEPART by 9 a.m. Volunteers must be on board at 9 a.m.
Volunteers are welcome to meet us at the cleanup site. Please let us know when prompted in the registration form so that we can provide the coordinates of our cleanup location.
August 8, 2026 | 8:30 AM- 1:00 PM
Ship island Barrier Island Cleanup
Help us cleanup the barrier islands!
Volunteers will meet at the Point Cadet Marina in
Biloxi, MS at 8:30 a.m. and will return to boat launch by 1 p.m.
Transportation to the island will be provided by charter-for-hire boat captains. Boats WILL DEPART by 9 a.m. Volunteers must be on board at 9 a.m.
Volunteers are welcome to meet us at the cleanup site. Please let us know when prompted in the registration form so that we can provide the coordinates of our cleanup location.
