Ecosystem Integration & Assessment

Priorities for Managing Ecosystem Data

Whooping crane pair. Photo credit: Texas Parks Wildlife Division

Although much information has been gathered and scientific research conducted on coastal environments, currently there is no information system that allows easy access to information and data for scientists conducting region-wide comparative studies; nor is there a convenient way for managers and policy makers to tap into the knowledge gained from this research. A solution to this problem is a natural resource data portal and information system that will enable resource managers to develop sound recommendations for managing valued coastal resources. The Alliance provides an effective partnership structure to improve accessibility and awareness of the extensive data available throughout the Gulf region.

Long-term Goals

Develop regional data systems that contain environmental and economic data
Establish strategic partnerships to fill environmental and ecological data gaps
Provide ecosystem decision-support tools to address priority issues within the Gulf

ACTIONS

Ecosystem Intergration and Assessment 1: Gulf of Mexico Master Mapping Plan

Action: Produce the Gulf of Mexico Master Mapping Plan (GMMMP), a comprehensive plan to collaboratively acquire data on the physical characteristics of the Gulf region, particularly elevation, shoreline, and surface data.

Expected Results:

A GMMMP is developed using shared resources.
Coastal management decisions across the Gulf are made more effectively by updated elevation, shoreline, and sea floor characterization data.

Ecosystem Intergration and Assessment 2: Data Access and Acquisition

Action: Provide resource managers and Alliance partners access to a Gulf-wide data and ecosystem support services system.

Expected Results:

Environmental data are readily available for use by resource managers.
Ecosystems-based tools are being used to identify areas of critical habitat for conservation and/or protection.

Ecosystem Intergration and Assessment 3: Living Marine Resources

Action: Provide collaboration opportunities for the various living marine resource organizations to support the management of the Gulf as a large marine ecosystem.

Expected Results:

Collaborative partnerships are expanded to enhance the conservation of living marine resources.
Agreements between resource managers who address data gaps and support ecosystem-based management efforts are strengthened.

Ecosystem Intergration and Assessment 4: Emergent Wetlands Status and Trends Report

Action: Develop an Emergent Wetlands Status and Trends Report to provide scientists and decision makers with regional information to guide management decisions.

Expected Results:

Emergent wetlands in the Gulf region are tracked and better managed.
A status and trends report for emergent wetlands in the Gulf is created and updated at regular intervals.

Ecosystem Intergration and Assessment 5: Ecosystem Services Valuation

Action: Determine socioeconomic values of critical coastal ecosystem services in the Gulf region.

Expected Results:

The economic values of select Gulf resources are inventoried and documented.
Economic values of ecosystem services are incorporated into coastal resource management decisions.