MISSISSIPPI STATE – State experts are sending out two surveys to seafood processors and restaurant owners to help analyze the needs and impact of Mississippi’s seafood industry.

Mississippi State University and Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission are conducting the Economic Survey of Gulf Seafood Processors and Dealers. All the seafood processors and dealers in the state will be asked to complete surveys in an effort to learn more about key components of the Gulf seafood industry.

The results of the survey will be provided to policy makers and trade associations to help them understand how important seafood processing, wholesaling and distribution are to the Gulf’s local and regional economies.

MSU, in collaboration with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resource’s Seafood Technology Bureau, is sending the Survey of Mississippi Restaurants to a random selection of the state’s restaurants.

Restaurant owners will be asked questions about the types of seafood products they use and where they purchase their seafood products, among others. The information provided will help experts determine the overall economic impact of seafood restaurants to Mississippi.

“Both surveys will help us put together information that may ultimately help the seafood industry. That’s why it is important for all processors and restaurants who receive the surveys to complete them,” said Ben Posadas, associate Extension and research professor at MSU’s Coastal Research and Extension Center. “Given the ongoing challenges our state’s seafood industry is facing, the need for unbiased economic information from businesses is critical in order to assist policy makers in making well-informed decisions.”

For more information, contact Posadas at (228) 388-4710.

Writer: Karen Templeton