Background

In 2005, Florida's Governor took a leadership role by helping to establish the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, a federal-state partnership initiated by the five Gulf States.  The goal of the Alliance is to significantly increase regional collaboration in order to enhance the economic and environmental health of the Gulf.  The Alliance released the first Governors' Action Plan in 2006, and today, over 90 % of the actions have been completed or are now in progress. A second, five-year Action Plan is currently under review and will be released in 2009.  To successfully implement Action Plan II, strong and continued support from a diverse constituency will be critical, and active participation in the 2008 workshops played an important role in developing networks and holistic solutions for a healthy Gulf of Mexico.

Action Plan II Workshops

Community members were updated on Gulf of Mexico Alliance actions and asked to provide critical input on the new Alliance Action Plan during four community workshops coordinated by Florida's Gulf Alliance Educators.  Approximately 170 participants discussed outreach strategies, technical and informational needs, and policy recommendations.

Workshop Partners

Partners and hosts of the workshops included Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mote Marine Laboratory, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Florida Aquarium, the Pier Aquarium, Gulf Coast Ocean Observing System, the University of South Florida, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Whole Foods, Calvin, Giordano and Associates and Aramark Food and Catering Services.  These partnerships helped to reinvigorate Florida's network of agencies, organizations and individuals that support the Alliance and its efforts to enhance the environmental and economic health of the Gulf of Mexico.