News

We couldn't have done GOMCON without you

- by Laura Bowie, Executive Director

If you had to sum up the first in-person Gulf of Mexico Conference in one word, it would be collaboration. We are still in awe of the participation, networking, and support GOMCON received.

Thank you. This success would not have been possible without the support of our 33 sponsors; more than 800 registered coastal scientists, managers, and professionals; and the hard work of our GOMA Teams and staff, our executive committee, Raising Canes River Center staff, volunteers, session moderators, and Cypress Planning.

Don't let your friends miss out. Encourage them to sign up for GOMA's email list. Or even better, ask them to join a team!

Missed GOMCON? Check out highlights from our plenaries, technical presentations, Tools Café and more, on our social media channels.

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Flickr

Gulf Guardian recognizes GOMA's key partnership roles

GOMA received recognition for its role as a key partner in two projects at the recent 2022 Gulf Guardian Awards ceremony hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico Division. Both awards were in the partnership category.

Learn More About GOMA's Gulf Guardian Awards

Wildlife & Fisheries Team releases Diamondback Terrapin Action Plan

The GOMA Wildlife & Fisheries Team has completed a project focused on supporting the conservation and management of diamondback terrapins in the Gulf of Mexico. Nearly 100 regional experts contributed to the plan, identifying six key strategies for action. This project was funded through GOMA's Gulf Star Program.

Download the Terrapin Conservation Action Plan

It's Tool Time Every Month

Loved the Gulf of Mexico Conference Tools Café but need information on tools and resources all year long? Well, get ready for monthly tool time! We will feature a different tool each month and highlight its ties to coastal management.

Check our our first feature below, the Northern Gulf Sediment Availability and Allocation Program (NGSAAP) Tool. You can find information on GOMA's suite of tools plus partner tools from past Tools Café events on our website.

Tool of the Month

Northern Gulf Sediment Availability and Allocation Program (NGSAAP) Tool - Habitat Resources

This ArcGIS-based decision support tool increases access to information on regional sediment sources across the northern Gulf of Mexico. Users can identify available sediment resources and link those to projects for creation and restoration of coastal habitats.

Learn more and download the tool here.

Partner News

Return 'Em Right gear giveaway

Return 'Em Right is giving away free release gear, including a descending device for fish experiencing barotrauma, to Gulf of Mexico anglers. Sign up for free gear.

Spirit of Community Awards

The Gulf of Mexico Climate and Resilience Community of Practice is accepting nominations for their Spirit of Community Awards. Nominations for individuals and communities that promote climate awareness and resilience will be accepted through June 10, 2022. Learn more.

NOAA Equity and Environmental Justice Strategy open for comments

NOAA Fisheries first-ever draft Equity and Environmental Justice Strategy is open for public comment through Aug. 19. NOAA will also host several webinars to gather input. The draft national strategy describes the path that NOAA Fisheries will take to incorporate equity and environmental justice into vital services. Learn more.

Hurricane Ida Story Map

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information recently released In Harm's Way: Hurricane Ida's Impact on Socially Vulnerable Communities story map. Learn more.

Hypoxia Task Force report

The Hypoxia Task Force recently released its 2019/2021 Report to Congress. The report describes progress made through activities directed by the Hypoxia Task Force toward attainment of the goals of the Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan 2008.

Climate and Resilience Community of Practice receives grant to increase diversity and inclusion

This project will form an Advisory Committee on Equity and support communities by providing technical expertise and capacity for grant writing — a challenge identified from a previous needs assessment. The team includes members from the Gulf Sea Grant Programs, GOMA, and NOAA. Learn more about this project and other recent NAS Gulf Research Program grant recipients here.

Slate of Coastal Alabama Water Quality Projects Announced for 2022

Recently, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship announced 12 projects totaling $35 million to advance and implement the state’s Coastal Alabama Regional Water Quality Program. The projects were announced during the Governor’s Deepwater Horizon Restoration Summit in Spanish Fort, Alabama, on May 19, 2022. Learn more.

Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant seeking input

Help develop Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant's next strategic plan. Share your opinions on the needs of coastal Mississippi and Alabama. The seven-question survey, which should take less than 15 minutes, will be available through Thursday, June 16.