Narrator:

Picture the Gulf of Mexico – as seen from above - in space. It is one, united body of water with no physical boundaries that separate Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi or Florida. Only the deep blue separates the United States from Mexico and Cuba.

That’s why the Gulf of Mexico Alliance works to improve the health of the Gulf as a Region – one, single, important ecosystem.

Initiated in 2005, by the five Gulf States Governors, the Gulf of Mexico Alliance partnership also includes 13 federal agencies, Mexico and a variety of business and not-for-profit organizations.

The Gulf of Mexico Alliance now operates under its 2009 Governors’ Action Plan, outlining benefits to the Region by enhancing the environmental and economic health of the Gulf.

One priority of the Alliance is to reduce the amount of nutrients that enter Gulf waters. While the Gulf benefits from a certain amount of nutrients, excessive nutrients can lead to algal blooms that harm marine life.

Narrator:

Gusty winds, pounding waves and severe weather often lead to a loss of sand and soil along Gulf of Mexico seashores. On average, Gulf shores lose about six feet per year to erosion - a serious problem for some Gulf communities.

How can we keep Gulf seashores from washing away?

Support living shorelines. Hardened shorelines, like sea walls and bulkheads, can contribute to coastal erosion and provide a very limited habitat. Living shorelines are a sustainable solution that uses a variety of plants to prevent sand and soil losses. They also provide habitat for birds, sea turtles and small mammals in addition to reducing wind and storm impacts. Living shorelines assist environmental restoration efforts and result in natural, stunning Gulf vistas inviting thousands of tourists to visit the Gulf coast each year.

Help prevent erosion and increase habitat and natural areas by supporting living shorelines projects. Or install a living shoreline near your home or community. Learn more about living shorelines and their benefits to Gulf communities at www dot noaa dot gov.

Narrator:

Enjoy the fresh, salty, Gulf of Mexico air and breathe easier knowing that, in 2005, the U.S. led the world by setting limits on mercury emissions from coal-burning power plants.

Mercury occurs naturally in the earth's crust, residing in rocks, like coal. So burning coal releases trapped mercury into the environment.

When this mercury finds its way into the Gulf, it often winds up in fish and other seafood. The average person has very low levels of mercury in their body, however eating too much of certain kinds of seafood can elevate mercury levels. Elevated mercury levels can cause health problems, especially among pregnant women and small children.

Federal agencies emphasize that Gulf seafood can support a healthy, balanced diet and encourages citizens to be informed about selecting seafood. You can learn more about seafood safety by contacting your state health department.

So, how do we reduce mercury in the atmosphere and protect Gulf seafood? (pause) Adjust your home thermostat, hang clothes outside to dry, and shorten your shower by just one minute. Energy saved means less fuel burned - and cleaner breezes around the Gulf of Mexico.

Narrator:

Saltwater in the global ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico, makes up 97 percent of the water on earth. That means only three percent of the earth’s water supply is freshwater. This small amount of water is in high demand to meet the needs of people, animals and ecosystems.

Did you know that sensitive ecosystems, such as gulf estuaries – places where rivers meet the ocean – need freshwater to maintain their balance, much like people, plants and animals need freshwater to drink and grow?

Even though water is such a valuable resource, U.S. households waste over 1 trillion gallons of fresh water each year from running toilets, dripping faucets and other common leaks.

Not sure if your toilet is leaking? You can easily test it. Place a drop of food coloring in the tank; if the color shows in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak. This kind of leak can waste up to 7,000 gallons a month!

Pay attention the next time you hear that drip, drip, drip. When you fix that leak, you’re saving water and supporting a healthy Gulf of Mexico.

Narrator:

What IS that, floating in the Gulf of Mexico? Is it…a plastic grocery bag?

If it is a plastic bag, it’s one of billions produced in the United States every year.

Most countries in the world use plastic bags, yet recycle a very small percentage. Plastic bags take years to break down and even then they only become tinier bits of plastic that contaminate soil and water.

Plastic bags often end up in the open environment – in places like the Gulf of Mexico – where they can harm sea turtles and birds. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association also reports finding plastic bags wrapped around coral reefs.

The average family uses 15 plastic bags per trip to the grocery store. Reduce your impact on your next trip to the store. When someone asks, “Paper or plastic?” You can say “Neither.”

If you are only purchasing one or two items, choose to go bag-less. You can also bring sturdy, reusable grocery bags when shopping. Store the bags in your car so you do not forget them. With this small change you are conserving energy and resources and supporting a healthy and clean Gulf of Mexico.