Gulf of Mexico Alliance Newsletter

 

2021

Seagrass Status and Trends Update for the Northern Gulf of Mexico 2002-2017 (PDF,12.77MB) This report is an update and compares seagrass coverage change in each of the five Gulf states between 2002 and 2017.
Executive Summary Seagrass S&T 2020
Northern Gulf Sediment Availability and Allocation Program Gap Analysis:
Figure1_Gap Analysis Geophysical Tracklines
Figure2_Gap Analysis Sediment Samples
Figure3_Gap Analysis Deposits and Borrow Areas
Figure4_Gap Analysis Marine Hazards and Avoidance Areas
Figure5_Gap Analysis Geophysical Tracklines Data Availability
Figure6_Gap Analysis Sediment Samples Data Availability
Northern Gulf of Mexico Sediment Availability and Allocation Program_Gap Analysis Technical Memo

2020

Economic Impacts of Water Quality Issues in the Gulf of Mexico – (PDF, 2.92KB) This is the final report addressing harmful algal bloom impacts on Florida tourism, fishing, and coastal ecosystems that ultimately resulted in a publicly available dashboard.

A Blueprint for Regional Data Sharing in the Gulf of Mexico: Oyster Data Sharing – (PDF, 10MB) The Oyster Blueprint is the result of a stakeholder engagement workshop with oyster managers from around the Gulf region, held in January 2020.

Community Impacts Report – (PDF, 13.7MB) The Community Impacts Report highlights activities and community projects resulting from a NOAA Office for Coastal Management resilience award.

A Seagrass Monitoring Approach for the Gulf of Mexico – (PDF, 392KB) Revised in 2020, this brochure describes the comprehensive Approach Construct for a seagrass monitoring tier matrix hierarchy based on spatial area, frequency of monitoring, and scope of intent along with a guide for tier applications and recommendations for a tier protocol.

Alabama Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Natural Disasters — (PDF, 7.88MB) Updated in 2020, the handbook provides actions that can be taken to help homeowners prepare for natural hazards to reduce risks to family and property in Alabama.

Florida Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Natural Disasters – (PDF, 21.42MB) Updated in 2020, the handbook provides actions that can be taken to help homeowners prepare for natural hazards to reduce risks to family and property in Florida.

Louisiana Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Natural Disasters – (PDF, 7.65MB) Updated in 2020, the handbook provides actions that can be taken to help homeowners prepare for natural hazards to reduce risks to family and property in Louisiana.

Mississippi Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Natural Disasters – (PDF, 8,18MB) Updated in 2020, the handbook provides actions that can be taken to help homeowners prepare for natural hazards to reduce risks to family and property in Mississippi.

Texas Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Coastal Natural Hazards – (PDF, 1,764MB) Reprinted in 2020, the handbook provides actions that can be taken to help homeowners prepare for natural hazards to reduce risks to family and property in Texas.

2018

Gulf-wide Seagrass Monitoring and Needs Assessment Workshop Report - (PDF, 13.2KB) This report documents the results of a workshop that addressed ongoing Gulf-wide monitoring and study of seagrasses in the Gulf of Mexico. Produced by Handley et al, September 2018.

2017

Recovery Plan Review for Downlisting/Delisting Final Report - (PDF, 1.8MB) This is the Wildlife and Fisheries Team Gulf Star project final report that identifies specific conservation actions that can be prioritized in order to downlist or delist threatened or endangered species in the region.
Keeping Pace: A short guide to navigating sea-level rise models - (PDF, 140KB) This Northern Gulf of Mexico Sentinel Site Cooperative resource is a quick review the importance of model selection, helpful concepts, model categories and an example of how to utilize models to address coastal issues.
2016 Gulf Star Report - (PDF, 8.5KB) This report summarizes the accomplishments of the inaugural year of the Gulf Star Program.

2016

2016 Annual Report to Management - (PDF, 1.6KB) The 2016 Annual Report to Management provides a review of the organization, programs, engagement, and financial aspects for the Gulf of Mexico Alliance.
Mississippi Proclamation 2016 - Mississippi Governor Bryant Proclamation for the Gulf of Mexico Alliance
Alabama Proclamation 2016 - Alabama Governor Bentley Proclamation for the Gulf of Mexico Alliance
Gulf of Mexico Alliance Ten Year Summary Report: 2004-2014 - A new 10-year report highlights the successes of the Alliances’ vast partnership. The five Gulf States face similar challenges and concerns as they manage the Gulf Coast and its waters. Our ability to work across borders indicates our partner’s willingness to protect a shared resource.
Governors’ Action Plan III For Healthy and Resilient Coasts (2016 – 2021) - (PDF, 3.2MB) This plan showcases reorganized Teams, new focus areas, and direction for the regional non-profit.

2015

New Gulf Coast Vulnerability Assessment Released - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released its Gulf Coast Vulnerability Assessment (GCVA). It is a new report that assesses the impacts of emerging threats on Gulf Coast species and ecosystems.
Gulf Star Brochure - (PDF, 444KB) A brief summary of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance's Gulf Star Program, including program priorities, as well as sponsorship information and benefits.
Get to Know the Gulf of Mexico Alliance (webinar slides) - (PDF, 1.7MB) An overview of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance including who we are, what we do, how we do it, and how to join us. Slides from a March 2015 webinar.
Gulf of Mexico Alliance 2015 Annual Report - (PDF, 1.3MB) Overview of the organizational structure, programs, engagement efforts, and financial status of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance.
Gulf of Mexico Alliance Regional Collaborative Blueprint - (PDF 450, KB) This document provides an overview of the Alliance and the reorganized Priority Issue Teams.

2014

USDA Gulf of Mexico Restoration Report - (PDF, 1945KB) A U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Report, "Gulf of Mexico Restoration - A Private Lands Vision for Success."
HCRT’s SLAMM Report - (PDF, 5103KB) A Habitat Conservation and Restoration Team report, "Application of the Sea-Level Affecting Marshes Model (SLAMM 6) to Southeastern Louisiana."

2013

Sources, Fate, Transport, and Effects of Nutrients as a Basis for Protective Criteria in Estuarine and Near-Coastal Waters - (PDF, 11MB) This report summarizes an intensive study of nutrient sources, fate, transport, and effects within St. Louis Bay, Mississippi. This project included conducting a comprehensive monitoring effort, analyzing data collected, and developing and calibrating a water quality model for this system. The results of the study will aid in the development of a consistent, integrated approach to nutrient thresholds development for coastal waters in MS and across the Gulf.
Sources, Fate, Transport and Effects of Nutrients in Weeks Bay, Alabama - A report to characterize nutrients and nutrient impacts in the Weeks Bay estuary and establish a nutrient criteria development framework for estuarine waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Florida Homeowners Handbook for Natural Hazards - Provides actions that can be taken to help homeowners prepare for natural hazards to reduce risks to family and property in Florida
Gulf of Mexico Alliance Accomplishments Report - (PDF, 846KB) Highlights the Alliance’s projects affecting change in the region during the organization’s first ten years
Gulf of Mexico Alliance Brochure - (PDF, 750KB) Gives information about the Gulf of Mexico Alliance in a concise brochure format
Clean & Resilient Marinas Initiative - An initiative to promote and expand resilient and environmentally responsible operations and best management practices at marinas in the Gulf region. It is a three-document set including a Guidebook, Policy Guide, and a tri-fold brochure.
Louisiana Homeowners Handbook for Natural Hazards - Provides actions that can be taken to help homeowners prepare for natural hazards to reduce risks to family and property in Louisiana
Mississippi Homeowners Handbook for Natural Hazards - Provides actions that can be taken to help homeowners prepare for natural hazards to reduce risks to family and property in Mississippi
Texas Homeowners Handbook for Natural Hazards - Provides actions that can be taken to help homeowners prepare for natural hazards to reduce risks to family and property in Texas

2012

Alabama Homeowners Handbook for Natural Hazards - Provides actions that can be taken to help homeowners prepare for natural hazards to reduce risks to family and property in Alabama
Environmental Education Priority Issue Brochure - (PDF, 295KB) Provides information on environmental education and outreach activities in the region focused on raising awareness of the Gulf ecosystem
Assessment of Changing Ecosystem Services Provided by Marsh Habitat in the Galveston Bay Region - Reports on the outcomes of a study identifying the potential changes in ecosystem services values provided by wetland habitats in the Galveston Bay Region
Coastal Community Resilience Priority Issue Brochure - (PDF, 297KB) Explains resilience and the multiple focal areas related to the resilience of the Gulf region
Ecosystem Integration and Assessment Priority Issue Brochure - (PDF, 292 KB) Describes the Gulf of Mexico Alliance Ecosystems integration and Assessment Priority Issue Team’s focus areas and accomplishments
Nutrients and Nutrient Impacts Priority Issue Brochure - (PDF, 295KB) Outlines the importance of limiting nutrients entering the Gulf and the impact such nutrients have on the Gulf Region
Habitat Conservation and Restoration Priority Issue Brochure - (PDF, 296KB) Explains the importance of habitat conservation and restoration in the Gulf and provides Habitat Conservation and Restoration Priority Issue Team’s priorities and accomplishments
Water Quality Priority Issue Brochure - (PDF, 295KB) Provides information on water quality in the region focused on raising awareness of the Gulf ecosystem

2011

NOAA’s Gulf of Mexico at a Glance: A Second Glance (2011) - (PDF, 5.7MB) Gives information about the Gulf of Mexico region, including communities, population, economy and ecology
Benthic Index of Biological Integrity for Estuarine and Near-Coastal Waters of the Gulf of Mexico - (PDF, 2.8MB) Coastal Waters of the Gulf of Mexico – Provides an outlook on the broad array of disturbances that estuarine and near-coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico have been exposed to, focuses on promoting ecological health for the Gulf of Mexico
Comparing Mexican & United States Legal & Institutional Frameworks - (PDF, 4.4MB) Outlines the complex suite of international, national, state, and local laws, policies, and programs dealing with the protection of natural resources while enabling economic prosperity
Gulf of Mexico Regional Ecosystem Restoration Strategy - (PDF, 3.3MB) Provides a strategy for Gulf restoration; developed by the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
Primer on Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico - (PDF, 9.6MB) Compiles common questions and answers for stakeholders, decision makers, coastal managers, and the education community dealing specifically with Hypoxia

2010

Coastal Nutrient Reduction Strategy Template Report - (PDF, 988KB) This report describes a common template that can be used by Gulf states to guide the development of their respective state nutrient reduction strategies, which will be used to develop watershed-based nutrient reduction management plans for Gulf coastal watersheds.
2010 Gulf of Mexico Alliance Midcourse Accomplishments Report - (PDF, 1.0MB) Provides the 2010 Accomplishments of the Priority Issue Teams
Informe de logros de 2010 a y Sanidad Costera Segundo Plan de los Gobernadores para las Resiliencia y Sanidad Costera – Español - (PDF, 1.1MB) Proporciona el Informe de Cumplimiento de 2010 de los Equipos temáticos prioritarios

2009

Governors’ Action Plan II for Healthy and Resilient Coasts (March 2009 – March 2014) - (PDF, 2.7MB) Builds on the success of the Governors’ Action Plan I, and identifies regionally significant issues that could be effectively addressed through increased collaboration at the local, state, and federal levels

2008

NOAA’s Gulf of Mexico at a Glance (2008) - (PDF, 3MB) Outlines the Gulf of Mexico region, paying special attention to the communities, population, economy, and ecology of the Gulf region
What is the Gulf of Mexico Alliance? (August 2008) - (PDF, 270KB) Outlines the mission of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance along with the Alliance’s five priority issues that are regionally significant and can be effectively addressed through increased collaboration at state, local, and federal levels
Midcourse Accomplishments Report (January 2008) - (PDF 693KB) Updates, as of January 2008, on the Governors’ Action Plan
What’s Next for the Gulf of Mexico Alliance? (May 2008) - (PDF, 1MB) Outlines the progression and expansion of the Governors’ Action Plan, focusing mainly on the hopes of development and expansion
¿Cuáles son los Próximos Pasos de la Alianza del Golfo de México? – Español (May 2008) - (PDF, 1.1MB) Resume la evolución y expansión del Plan de Acción de los Gobernadores, centrándose principalmente en las esperanzas de desarrollo y expansión

2007

Implementation Update #3 (March 2007) - (PDF, 2.2MB) Provides the third implementation update to the Governors’ Action Plan

2006

Community Workshop Summary Report (August 2006) - (PDF, 1MB) Highlights common priorities identified across the various workshops leading up to the formation of the Governors’ Action Plan
Federal Workgroup 1-Pager (August 2006) - (PDF, 263KB) Outlines the thirteen federal agencies committed to supporting the Gulf Alliance and their objectives