Abstract

WHAT: The Gulf of Mexico Regional Action Plan was developed to increase the production, delivery, and use of climate-related information required to fulfill the NOAA Fisheries mission in the region. This plan identifies priority needs and specific actions to implement the NOAA Fisheries Climate Science Strategy in the region over the next three to five years.

WHERE:  NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) supports stewardship of living marine resources across a broad and unique region spanning three large marine ecosystems: the Gulf of Mexico, Southeast Atlantic, and the Caribbean Sea.  

WHY: The Gulf contains a diverse range of habitats, including unique coral systems atop salt domes, high relief carbonate banks, and shallow coastal ecosystems that support a variety of commercially and recreationally important marine fish and shellfish. Understanding how the major climate drivers affect the distribution and abundance of marine species, their habitats and their prey is important to effective management. Climate-related factors expected to impact the Gulf of Mexico include warming ocean temperatures, sea level rise, and ocean acidification. Decision-makers need actionable information on how changing climate and ocean conditions will impact this region’s marine resources, and what can be done to reduce impacts and increase resilience.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Heidi Lovett ([email protected]) or Karla Gore (karla.gore@noaa.gov).

Affiliated Organizations

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep citizens informed of the changing environment around them. From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA’s products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product.

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Northeast Fisheries Science Center - NOAA

The Northeast Fisheries Science Center is the research arm of NOAA Fisheries in the region.

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NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is the federal agency, a division of the Department of Commerce, responsible for the stewardship of the nation's living marine resources and their habitat. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is responsible for the management, conservation and protection of living marine resources within the United States' Exclusive Economic Zone (water three to 200 mile offshore).

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