The Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA) reports that "the Gulf of Mexico is the ninth largest water body in the world, accounting for half the wetlands in the United States and teeming with sea life, ranging from killer whales to unexplored deepwater corals living thousands of feet below the surface. With some 3,400 miles of shoreline from Cape Sable, Florida to the tip of the Yucatan peninsula, the Gulf is bordered by Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas to the north, Mexico to the west and the island of Cuba to the southeast."

In 2004 the Gulf of Mexico Alliance was created following a call to action by Florida Governor Jeb Bush to protect the Gulf of Mexico region. The current state leader is Governor Haley Barbour of Mississippi. The alliance consists of members from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. "The five U.S. Gulf States are working through the Gulf of Mexico States Accord to facilitate involvement of the six Mexican states in the Alliance."

"The Alliance is setting an example by sharing science, expertise and financial resources to better protect the health of this complex ecosystem that is the Gulf of Mexico while securing a lasting underwater legacy for future generations."

The following regional issues are to be addressed at the local, State, and Federal levels:

	Water quality for healthy beaches and shellfish beds;
	Wetland and coastal conservation and restoration;
	Identification of Gulf habitats; and
	Reducing nutrient inputs to coastal ecosystems.

To answer this question, click on the image to view a short video on the Gulf of Mexico Alliance.

Email comments and suggestions to nwrclibrary@usgs.gov.