News

GoMCon abstract submission deadline is today!

Last chance - the deadline to submit an abstract for the Gulf of Mexico Conference (GoMCon) is today, November 30! The Program Committee invites you to submit an abstract for a presentation that promotes the integration of science and management into decision-making for the April 2022 GoMCon in Baton Rouge, LA.

Conference themes include: resilience, living resources, climate impacts, habitat management and restoration, science communication, water and sediment management, and more!

Submit an Abstract

New Gulf Star project creates environmental stewardship in south Louisiana schools

The GOMA Education & Engagement Team has a new Gulf Star project to reduce single-use plastics in 13 south Louisiana schools. The Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) coordinated installation of water bottle refill stations.

"Offering these solutions in our schools will help to nurture environmental stewards," said Alma Robichaux, BTNEP's education/outreach coordinator. The first school installed their refill station last month and has already kept over 500 single-use water bottles from being used!

This project is funded by GOMA's Gulf Star Program through a contribution by the Hess Corporation.

Learn More About Gulf Star

GOMA receives national recognition for leadership in community resilience and conservation

The Gulf of Mexico Alliance recently received a 2021 Climate Adaptation Leadership Award from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. This national award recognizes exemplary leadership in advancing adaption of the nation's vital natural resources in a changing world. The Alliance received the Honorable Mention in the Broad Partnerships category.

This award specifically recognizes work by GOMA, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Texas AgriLife Extension to connect community resilience and conservation planning tools for community watershed planning in two Gulf Coast communities. To learn more about this project, register for our upcoming webinar on December 3.

Climate Adaptation Award

Save the Date: GOMA Marine Debris Cross Team Mid-Year Meeting

Save the date for the GOMA Marine Debris Cross Team Initiative's virtual Mid-Year Meeting, January 25-27, 2022. Agenda topics will include the new Governors' Action Plan IV, Cross Team updates, new marine debris and litter legislation, and more!

GOMA Marine Debris Cross Team

Mid-Year Meeting (virtual)

January 25-27, 2022

Full agenda and registration details coming in December.

Action Plan IV: Priority Issue Teams

With the launch of Governors' Action Plan IV, we are putting a spotlight on GOMA's priority issues! This month, learn more about the Habitat Resources, Water Resources, and Wildlife & Fisheries Teams. Now is a great time to get involved with GOMA. Please click here to join a Priority Issue Team - anyone is welcome!

Conservation, management, and restoration of coastal habitats are essential to healthy Gulf ecosystems and economies.

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Clean, healthy water is vital to the Gulf of Mexico region. This Team addresses research, management, and stewardship of water resources.

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The Gulf of Mexico is home to over 15,000 species of marine and coastal wildlife and provides a third of the nation's seafood.

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Partner News

NOAA public comment period on America the Beautiful initiative open until December 28

NOAA is asking for ideas on ways they can work with community partners to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, as outlined in the "Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful" report. Read more here.

BOEM wind leasing call for information and nominations open until December 16

BOEM has published a call for information and nominations to assess commercial interest in wind energy leasing in the western and central Gulf of Mexico. More information, maps, and instructions on how to comment are here.

Restore America's Estuaries releases updated report on economic value of estuaries

The report highlights the economic benefits of coastal habitats and includes case studies from Florida and Louisiana.

Planning effort for oyster shell recycling underway in Mississippi

The Nature Conservancy's Mississippi Chapter is leading a RESTORE-funded project to identify potential partner restaurants and plan a pilot program. Read TNC's press release and the AP news article to learn more.

Gulf of Mexico Aquaculture Opportunity Area Atlas released by NOAA NCCOS

NOAA has released a new atlas identifying nine potential commercial aquaculture areas for the Gulf of Mexico region based on environmental data and industry interest. Read more here.