In 1994, the Mississippi Legislature created the Department of Marine Resources as a separate governing agency to enhance, protect and conserve marine interests of the state. We manage all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas, and provide for the balanced commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. All along the coast, both commercial and recreational fishermen seek out this seafood delicacy. Blue crabs spend a portion of their lives in brackish-water areas of the Mississippi Sound. These waters, known as estuaries, are transitional zones between the salty Gulf and freshwater inland rivers.
Blue crabs feed on both plants and animals.
They feast on marine worms, snails, fish, seaweed and marsh grasses. To determine the sex of a crab look at its abdomen. Crab licenses are available at the Department of Marine Resources. The simplest and cheapest method of crabbing is using string with fish, chicken or other meat as bait. When the crab takes the bait, the string is slowly and carefully pulled up and the crabs scooped into a waiting net or basket.