Which program is responsible for protecting coastal and estuarine lands in Mississippi?

The Mississippi Coastal Program (MCP) is specifically designed to protect and manage coastal and estuarine lands within Mississippi. This program focuses on various aspects of coastal resource management, including habitat protection, conservation, and restoration efforts. The MCP works to balance ecological health with the needs of local communities, making it a critical component of safeguarding Mississippi's coastal environment.

In terms of the context of the other programs, the Mississippi Wetland Management Program and the Coastal Restoration Initiative may contribute to wetlands and restoration efforts, but they do not specifically target coastal and estuarine lands in the comprehensive manner that the MCP does. The Mississippi Environmental Protection Agency is involved in broader environmental regulations and protections but does not focus exclusively on coastal areas like the MCP. Therefore, the MCP is the most relevant and effective program dedicated to the stewardship of Mississippi's coastal and estuarine habitats.