Gulf of Mexico Alliance.

Biloxi, Mississippi – Oil spill response and recovery and implementation of the Governors’ Action Plan are just a couple of the topics to be discussed by members of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA) at the Implementation and Integration Workshop on Aug. 4-5, 2010, at the Beau Rivage Hotel in Biloxi. The Gulf of Mexico Alliance—Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida—was formalized in 2004 as the result of a shared vision for a healthy and resilient Gulf of Mexico region.

“GOMA has provided an invaluable existing network of professionals as we address the current and potential impacts of the recent oil spill,” said William Walker, Ph.D., executive director of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and chair of the GOMA Management Team. “By collaborating with other Gulf states and Mexico, we can work together as a region to address issues concerning the health of the Gulf.”

The Gulf of Mexico Alliance is comprised of Priority Issue Teams (PITs): water quality, habitat conservation and restoration, managing nutrient inputs and reducing impacts, ecosystem integration and assessment, coastal community resilience, and environmental education. As part of the GOMA Implementation and Integration Workshop, PITs will conduct working sessions to discuss progress in achieving goals, assess and modify priorities, and develop work plans for the coming year. PIT members will explore how the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill response and recovery can be integrated into their missions and examine the actions that have already been taken.

The Alliance recognizes the economy and quality of life for citizens of the Gulf are linked to its ecological health.  Through the collaborative leadership of local, state and federal government partners, and the active participation of businesses and non-governmental organizations, the Alliance is addressing issues facing the Gulf region. The Governor’s Action Plan for Healthy & Resilient Coasts, endorsed by all five Governors, outlines specific actions needed to achieve the Alliance’s mission.

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

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Located at the northern end of the Ten Thousand Islands on the gulf coast of Florida, the Rookery Bay Reserve represents one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. An amazing world exists within the 110,000 acres of pristine mangrove forest, uplands and protected waters of Rookery Bay.

Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve

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Apalachicola Bay is one of the most productive estuarine systems in the Northern Hemisphere. The reserve protects the region’s biological diversity,

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

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The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico. The refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. It is world famous for its spectacular migratory bird populations.

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Association

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Association

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The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of natural resources and wildlife habitat on and around Sanibel and Capitva.

Delnor Wiggins State Park

Delnor Wiggins State Park

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One of the most popular seaside destinations in Naples, the mile-long stretch of white sugar sand at Delnor-Wiggins has been rated one of the best beaches in the nation. The 166-acre park is a tropical paradise for beach lovers, boaters and divers. The beach is a popular spot to sunbathe, swim, beachcomb, snorkel and picnic

Lover’s Key State Park

Lover’s Key State Park

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A haven for wildlife, the islands and their waters are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. The two mile long beach is accessible by boardwalk or tram and is popular for shelling, swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing.

Mote Marine Laboratory

Mote Marine Laboratory

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Founded in 1955, Mote Marine Laboratory is an independent nonprofit marine research organization based in Sarasota, Fla., with field stations in eastern Sarasota County, Charlotte Harbor and the Florida Keys. We are dedicated to advancing the science of the sea through the study of marine and estuarine ecosystems, through our public Mote Aquarium and through an education division that provides unique programs for all ages. Showcasing this research is Mote Aquarium, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 365 days a year.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Conservancy of Southwest Florida

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Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a grassroots organization focused on protecting the water, land and wildlife of the region. We accomplish this through the combined integrated efforts of environmental education, policy and advocacy, environmental science and research and a wildlife rehabilitation clinic.

Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden

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Naples Botanical Garden is a world-class destination offering visitors an interactive learning experience as they stroll lush tropical landscapes of Florida, the Caribbean and Brazil in addition to a hands-on Children’s Garden and 90 acres of Native Preserve. Learn about native Florida plants and their impact on natural environments as well as sustainability practices.

Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program

Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program

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Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program is a partnership working to protect the natural environmental in Florida from Venice to Bonita Springs to Winter Haven.