As a result of a shared vision for a healthy and resilient Gulf of Mexico coast, the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas were supported by 13 federal agencies to formalize the Gulf of Mexico Alliance. The first action taken by the Alliance was the development of the Governors' Action Plan for Healthy and Resilient Coasts, which was released at the State of the Gulf of Mexico Summit on March 28, 2006.

The Gulf of Mexico Regional Implementation Team (GMRIT) shares the goals and objectives outlined in the Governor's Action Plan, which align with Coastal America's mission. This far-reaching Governors' Action Plan, which is also supported by the President's U.S. Ocean Action Plan, challenges the Gulf of Mexico Alliance to make tangible progress on five priority issues: water quality, wetland and coastal restoration, environmental education, characterization of Gulf habitats, and nutrient reductions. Implementation of 11 actions and 73 Action Blueprint steps outlined in the Governors' Action Plan is currently underway and the team is making tremendous strides.

The Gulf of Mexico Alliance Environmental Education Network (EEN) established a steering committee and several working groups to implement the Governor's Action Plan concerning education initiatives. In June 2007, the EEN hosted a joint workshop with the Gulf Coast Ocean Observing System Education and Outreach Council in Spanish Fort, Alabama. Other workshops included the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) educational workshops held in South Florida in 2006/2007. GMRIT significantly expanded its CELC network in the region and now has a CELC in each U.S. state bordering the Gulf and one in Veracruz, Mexico.

Implementation Team Chair

John F. Bowie
Gulf of Mexico Program
Building 1100 - Room 232
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529

Office  228.688.3888
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