Events

Estuaries are where the rivers meet the sea, creating a unique and important ecosystem. Learning and understanding this valuable environment can only increase your connection to nature in your community. On Sunday, May 16 from 10-12:30 pm, join us as we kayak along the bayou at the Grand Bay NERR and learn how you can EMBRACE the Gulf! Space is limited and kayaks are provided. For more information and registration contact Jennifer Cumbest at jennifer.cumbest@dmr.ms.gov

• 1-1:15 p.m. Roll call, welcome by GCOOS Board Chair Joe Swaykos
• 1:15-2 p.m. Updates from the IOOS Program Office by Director Carl Gouldman
• 2- 2:45 p.m. The new IOOS Association strategic plan with Executive Director Josie Quintrell
• 2:45-3 p.m. Break
• 3:15-3:45 p.m. GCOOS Executive Director’s Report from Barbara Kirkpatrick
• 3:45-4:30 p.m. Hurricane Picket Line Project 2021 with Kathy Bailey, Bill Lingsch and Kerri Whilden
• 4:30-4:45 p.m. Discussion and Q&A
• 4:45-5 p.m. Announcement of GCOOS Board of Directors election results and closing remarks by Joe Swaykos.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife is hosting its monthly Texas Waters webinar on May 19th at 6:30 pm Central. Bryant Celestine will be sharing how the Alabama-Coushatta culture would not exist without water. From the ancestors to present day citizens, this natural resource has sustained our people and allowed the culture to survive despite Americanization. To learn more and register, click here.

This webinar will share results of the Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Service Logic Models and Socio-Economic Indicators (GEMS) project, which aims to advance standardized socio-economic metrics that encompass the broad environmental, social and economic goals of restoration success shared by many institutions across the Gulf. We will discuss the models, metrics, protocols, and web-based tools that were developed throughout this 3-year project with input from a large group of experts and stakeholders. The webinar will all include a brief introduction to the GEMS project and then focus on how the GEMS products can be used for planning and monitoring restoration projects, and to inform the design of restoration funding programs.

Join us every other month, on the last Wednesday, for an informative hour on a current Gulf of Mexico Alliance topic.

Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2021 – Virtual
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice: Sustaining Our Ocean and Great Lakes

June 8, 2021

This year’s conference will focus on the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in sustaining a healthy ocean, coast and Great Lakes.
A detailed agenda is available on the CHOW 2021 webpage.

BOEM’s Gulf of Mexico Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force, established earlier this year, reflects a partnership between federal, state, and local agencies, as well as tribal governments. It serves as a forum to discuss stakeholder issues and concerns; exchange data and information about ocean uses, and biological and physical resources; and facilitate early and ongoing dialogue and collaboration opportunities.

The purpose of the meeting is to begin identifying potential areas in federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico that may be suitable for offshore renewable energy development. This task force provides critical information to the decision‐making process.

Mark your calendar for the 2021 Alabama Coastal BirdFest: October 6-9, 2021!

In 2021, go the Weeks Bay Foundation for information.

The 2020 event is cancelled.

Florida Birding & Nature Festival
October 14-17, 2021

See you next year!

Gulf Gulf Conference & Exhibition
Clean Gulf

November 16 – 18, 2021
San Antonio, Texas
Host: Texas General Land Office

The October 20-22, 2020 event is postponed due to Covid19. Follow the Clean Gulf website for updates on the November 2021 event.