The Gulf of Mexico Alliance released the Governor's Action Plan for Healthy and Resilient Coasts in March of 2006. Follow the link below to Gulf of Mexico Alliance to read the report.
Plan to Strengthen Protection of the Gulf of Mexico
Help to identify priority needs to improve the health of the Gulf of Mexico
Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program hosted a community-focused workshop to solicit public input on how best to restore, protect and improve the Gulf of Mexico’s health. The workshop was held on Wednesday, September 14 at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota with approximately 120 people participating.
Ideas Generated during the Workshop and Workshop Evaluation:
Challenges from Local Perspectives: Brainstorming Possibilities
Results of Charlotte Harbor Hearts: Develop Specific Actions for Implementation
This is one of many stakeholders workshops being held throughout the Gulf on behalf of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, a multi-agency partnership that is inviting input from residents, businesses, scientists and interest groups for inclusion in a formal action plan.
The Gulf of Mexico is the ninth largest water body in the world, accounting for half the wetlands in the United States and teeming with sea life, ranging from killer whales to unexplored deepwater corals living thousands of feet below the surface. With some 3,400 miles of shoreline from Cape Sable, Florida to the tip of the Yucatan peninsula, the Gulf is bordered by Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas to the north, Mexico to the west and the island of Cuba to the southeast.
Representatives from the White House, the five Gulf States and U.S. federal agencies met at Rookery Bay in Naples in June 2005 to kick off the discussion that will culminate in the release of the long-term Action Plan at a November Summit in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The Gulf of Mexico Alliance is the Gulf States’ response to the U.S. Ocean Commission report and subsequently the U.S. Ocean Action Plan released by the White House in December 2004. These reports noted certain ocean-related problems nationwide and among other solutions, called for an integrated management approach for the Gulf of Mexico, led by surrounding states.
In 2004, hosted by Florida, the five Gulf states and the federal government came together as the Gulf of Mexico Alliance and began outlining a shared ecosystem-based approach for improving the health of the more than 3.7 billion acres of Gulf water through coordinated coastal research, ocean education and water quality safeguards.
The Alliance outlined five priorities as a starting point for restoring, protecting and improving the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. White papers (background papers) are available on each priority by clicking on each priority description above.
The community workshop is an important opportunity to add your voice to this international effort. If you are unable to attend the workshop, please consider submitting an e-comment form at www.gulfofmexicoalliance.org.
“Our marine resources are the foundation for Florida’s quality of life and ocean-based economy,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Florida is committed to working with our government partners and the residents of all five Gulf states to establish a comprehensive framework for the long-term protection of the Gulf of Mexico.”
For additional information: