Gulf of Mexico Alliance
Building Partnerships for a Healthier Gulf
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Compilation of northern Gulf sediment data is now available |
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A new compilation of sediment data and associated gap analysis are now available on the GOMA website. The report includes a wealth of spatial data including historic geophysical surveys, sediment core and grab samples, interpreted sediment bodies, planned borrow areas, proven sediment sources, and marine hazard and avoidance areas. Maps of available digital data are also included in the report.
This report is part of a larger project, led by the GOMA Habitat Resources Team, to develop a sediment resource decision support tool for the entire northern Gulf Coast. The tool will include information on sediment availability and distribution for Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, filling a critical need for information on sediment resources that can be used for creation and restoration of coastal habitats.
The data and gap analysis are being compiled by The Water Institute for the Gulf for the Habitat Resources Team through a project funded by a grant from the EPA Gulf of Mexico Division.
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GOMA's Water Resources Team requests proposals for Texas water quality economics project |
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The GOMA Water Resources Team is currently soliciting proposals for a new project to examine the economic impacts of recurring brown tide harmful algal bloom events in Baffin Bay, Texas. The economic data will support ongoing work to improve water quality and restore this iconic bay system.
This project is funded by Freeport McMoRan through the GOMA Gulf Star Program. This public-private partnership provides funding for projects that support healthy beaches, clean waters, productive ecosystems, and thriving coastal communities in the Gulf of Mexico region. In total, nearly 50 projects have been funded through GOMA's Gulf Star Program since 2016.
Additional project details and a request for proposals are available here. The deadline to apply is July 9, 2021.
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GOMA continues popular "Tool Time with Dave" webinar series this summer |
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The Gulf of Mexico Alliance is launching a second series of virtual Tools Café webinars this summer. Last year’s “Tool Time with Dave” webinar series, hosted by Dave Reed, GOMA Program Director, featured 24 tools on a wide range of Alliance priority topics including sea-level rise, water quality, and socioeconomics.
The 2021 webinar schedule, call for tool presentations, and more details will be available soon. The “Tool Time with Dave” webinar series is based on GOMA’s highly-popular in-person Tools Café, which will return next year as part of the 2022 Gulf of Mexico Conference in April. If you missed last year’s “Tool Time with Dave,” resources and recordings from the full Tool Time series are on our website.
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Prepare for hurricane season now with the "Homeowners Handbook" |
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Individuals, families, and communities all have a role to play in reducing their risk from hurricanes and other natural disasters. GOMA encourages all Gulf Coast residents to get ready for the upcoming hurricane season, which begins on June 1. The “Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Natural Disasters” is a resource for homeowners and other Gulf Coast residents created by GOMA's Coastal Resilience Team, Gulf Sea Grant Programs, and state partners from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Information in the handbook comes from leading organizations in preparedness and recovery and the handbook is customized for each of the five Gulf states.
Handbooks for each Gulf state are available as a free digital download on the GOMA website. More than 13,000 printed copies of the Homeowners Handbook have been distributed over the last year; they are available at many community locations such as libraries and planning departments throughout the Gulf states.
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Register now for upcoming virtual roundtable on offshore wind energy |
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Join us for a virtual roundtable discussion to learn about a new Renewable Energy Task Force taking shape in the Gulf of Mexico. Speakers from the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Louisiana Governor's Office of Coastal Activities, Coastal Zone Management Program, and Shell will provide perspectives and answer questions on regional offshore wind goals, activities, and the wind energy leasing process.
To register, please visit our website.
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The Nature Conservancy releases report on the future of Gulf of Mexico restoration
The Nature Conservancy’s Gulf of Mexico Program has released “Our Future Gulf 2.0” with ongoing recommendations for actions that advance restoration in the Gulf. More information and a link to the full report are available here.
New Initiative to Conserve 30% of U.S. Lands by 2030
A new “America the Beautiful” nationwide initiative has been launched with a goal of conserving 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. The U.S. Departments of the Interior, Agriculture and Commerce, and the White House Council on Environmental Quality are leading this effort. Read the report here.
Dauphin Island Sea Lab named the official aquarium of Alabama
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed HB136 naming the Dauphin Island Sea Lab Aquarium the official Aquarium of Alabama. This bill spotlights the aquarium's importance to education and research conducted by DISL. To read more, click here.
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council seeking input on response to climate change
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council would like your help to identify ways to make fisheries and protected resources more resilient to climate change. To submit your input please click here.
A new report is released from Ocean Conservancy on ocean data opportunities and challenges
The Ocean Conservancy has released a new report highlighting challenges and opportunities related to ocean data. Regional Ocean Partnerships, including GOMA, are specifically mentioned for their role in sharing and applying ocean data to address management needs. Read the press release and full report for more information.
2022 Gulf Guardian Awards nominations accepted until June 30th
EPA's Gulf of Mexico Division is accepting nominations for the 2022 Gulf Guardian Awards through June 30th, 2021. Nominations are open for the following catergories: Business/Industry, Environmental Justice/Cultural Diversity, Civic & Non-Profit Organizations, Youth Environmental Education, Partnerships, and Individual. Please visit their website to learn more and submit nominations.
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Selected virtual events include:
PLACE (formerly Northern Gulf Sentinel Site Cooperative): SLR Intro Webinar
June 2nd, 2021
Collaborations across NOAA: An overview of the Weather Prediction Center and the National Water Center
June 3rd, 2021
Capitol Hill Oceans Week 2021
June 8th-10th, 2021
BOEM Gulf of Mexico Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force Meeting
June 15th, 2021
Texas Parks and Wildlife Regenerative Land Management for Healthy Watersheds Webinar
June 15th, 2021
The Corps Network Career Guide Webinar
June 17th, 2021
GOMA Gulf Renewable Energy Exchange: Connecting Offshore Wind to the Coast
June 30th, 2021
Find links to these events and other virtual activities on our events page.
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1151 Robinson Street, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
May 2021
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