Gulf of Mexico Program

Gulf of Mexico Program

Gulf of Mexico Program Mission Protect, restore, and maintain the Gulf of Mexico in ways consistent with the economic well-being of the region Committed to voluntary, non-regulatory solutions Take action based on sound scientific and technical information working with our partners and the public Identify priority areas and actions through State and coastal community leadership Provide Federal leadership in research, monitoring, scientific analysis, and financial resources to support habitat conservation and restoration, improve water quality, protect living marine resources, promote community resilience and environmental education.

Since its inception in 1988, the Gulf of Mexico Program has developed multiple jurisdictional agreements with federal and state partners as well as international partners. With the cooperation of its partners, the Gulf Program successfully implements and funds projects that lead to a thriving ecosystem. The projects center on: Improving and/or restoring water and habitat quality to meet water quality standards in watersheds throughout the five Gulf States and the Mississippi River Basin. Promoting and supporting environmental education and outreach to the inhabitants of the Gulf of Mexico watershed. Strengthening community resilience by promoting and supporting environmental education and outreach to the general public and vulnerable communities. Protecting, enhancing or restoring coastal and upland habitats within the Gulf of Mexico watershed.

Science, Integration & Analysis Team Mission Promoting and Implementing Science to Benefit the Gulf of Mexico and Its Communities. The Science, Integration & Analysis Team (Science Team) is dedicated to improving water quality; protecting, enhancing and/or restoring sensitive habitat; and, leveraging technical or financial assistance with all partners to significantly increase regional collaboration which improves the ecological health of the Gulf of Mexico. Another effort of critical importance is supporting the collection of scientific data throughout the Gulf thus supporting the partnership structure to improve data accessibility and awareness.

Partnership Team Mission Encourage positive behavioral practices, to promote awareness of resources, technologies, and environmental practices or initiatives, and to stimulate an interest among all in preserving the Gulf. Vision To expand and enhance literacy, attitudes, and actions by instilling and promoting sound environmental science. Goals Promote continuity and information exchange by providing information to the public and partners in a consistent and timely manner. Leverage resources by partnering with agencies on efforts to restore the Gulf. Create opportunities that allow for expanded or new research or initiatives in the Gulf via Requests for

GMPO PERFORMANCE MEASURES Improve Water Quality - Coordinate and expand existing water quality monitoring efforts supporting adaptive management of programs; and other projects designed to improve water quality. Enhance and/or Protect Coastal Habitat and Ecosystems - Enhance and conserve coastal and near shore habitat, with a focus on marshes, mangroves, seagrass, estuaries, barrier islands, natural beaches, dunes, coastal forests and prairies. Enhanced Community Resilience - Support development and implementation of comprehensive, stakeholder informed coastal improvement programs, projects and tools to enhance community planning, risk assessment, green infrastructure, and smart growth implementation. Environmental Education and Outreach - Enhance environmental literacy by establishing sustainable environmental education and outreach programs to promote water quality, habitat conservation, community resilience, living & coastal marine resources, and environmental justice.