Halstead Boat Launch

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The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Halstead Site Boat Launch is made possible through an agreement with the City of Ocean Springs.

Location: GCRL Halstead Site  l  703 East Beach Drive  l  Ocean Springs, MS 39564

— RULES FOR PUBLIC USE —

PARKING
Parking is only permitted in designated areas at designated times (Friday - Sunday, daylight hours only). Vehicles and trailers parked elsewhere are subject to ticketing or towing.

See parking map HERE.

USM VESSELS
Do not board any University research vessels. Boarding requires prior permission from the GCRL Director or the GCRL Director of Vessel Operations.

FLOATING PIER
The GCRL floating pier in Davis Bayou is not available for public use.

ALCOHOL, DRUGS, AND TOBACCO
The use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco including vaping is not permitted on University property, including the Halstead Boat Launch.

TRASH AND DEBRIS
The City of Ocean Springs provides and maintains dumpsters or cans for trash, debris, and waste from public boat launch activity. All trash, debris and waste should be placed in the designated trash receptacles near the boat launch and parking area.

For waste disposal needs, contact the City of Ocean Springs Assistant Public Works Director, Stephen Farnsworth at 228-230-1984.

RESTROOMS
The City of Ocean Springs provides and services portable toilet facilities for public use at the Halstead boat launch. Use of restrooms in University buildings is not permitted.

For portable restroom needs, contact the City of Ocean Springs Assistant Public Works Director, Stephen Farnsworth at 228-230-1984.

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
The following activities are prohibited at the boat launch

• Fishing
• Swimming
• Fish cleaning
• The use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco including vaping
• Possession of firearms
• Washing vehicles, trailers, and boats
• Dumping of waste and trash
• Littering

— CLOSURES AND SAFETY —

 The boat launch may close on short notice. Always check for posted signage at the GCRL entrance before planning to use the boat launch.

EMERGENCY CLOSURES
GCRL may suspend public access at any time for emergency needs, and will reopen the launch when it can be done safely. 

PLANNED CLOSURES
For construction, special events, site improvements, or research and education activities, GCRL may temporarily suspend public access with 15 days written notice to the City of Ocean Springs. Signage will be posted at the GCRL entrance during a planned closure.

VESSEL SAFETY AND HAZARDS
GCRL is not responsible for damage to vehicles, trailers, or vessels using the boat launch and harbor. Marking hazards in the water is the responsibility of Jackson County, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR), or another designated entity. 

Thank you for respecting the rules and doing your part to keep the boat launch safe and clean for all. 

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Managed By

Gulf Coast Research Laboratory    l    The University of Southern Mississippi

Public access to the GCRL Halstead boat launch is provided under a Memorandum of Agreement between The University of Southern Mississippi and the City of Ocean Springs, effective September 1, 2026 and renewed annually. Hours of operation and rules are subject to change.