The MDMR is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving the marine interests of Mississippi for present and future generations.

[1] The Mississippi Advisory Commission on Marine Resources has five members, appointed by the governor for four-year terms, to represent the following areas: commercial seafood processors, nonprofit environmental organizations, charter boat operators, recreational fishermen and commercial fishermen.

The current members are:[2] The Mississippi Marine Patrol is the law enforcement arm of the Department.

It operates to protect, preserve and conserve seafood, aquatic life and associated coastal wetland habitats in Mississippi.

[3] In 2014, the previous director of the agency, Bill Walker, was convicted of public corruption and sentenced to five years in prison.