This regional research plan focuses on the needs in the Gulf. (Source: NOAA)

RATIONALE
Well-informed management and resource utilization can only be made through increased knowledge about the changes in demand for marine-related resources and the impact of these changes on the ecosystems and economies of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) region.

A core belief held by many is that the best scientific results will stem from a Gulf-wide approach that addresses scientific questions important to the region as a whole. This contrasts with the common practice of scientific inquiry made on a state-by-state or organization-by-organization basis. Thus, it is imperative that regional research and information needs be identified by public and private constituents that use and manage resources or that sponsor or conduct scientific research related to the GOM. In addition, increased collaboration among the research-based organizations operating in the GOM can help to avoid duplication of research and provide a roadmap for more efficient use of research dollars and effort.

A regional research plan focusing specifically on the needs in the GOM will bridge recently developed plans. For example, it will provide more research emphasis in support of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance Action Plan and link regional priorities to the national focus of the Ocean Research Priorities Plan. This project will serve the entire GOM research community by identifying and disseminating the highest priority needs in the region and fostering opportunities for cooperation in addressing these needs.

THE PROJECT
This project is funded by the National Sea Grant College Program. The four Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Sea Grant college programs (Florida Sea Grant, Louisiana Sea Grant, the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and Texas Sea Grant) are working with state and federal agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, and private industry along the GOM to prioritize research and information needs and to develop a strategic research plan. The Gulf of Mexico Research Plan (GMRP), which highlights the broad constituent-defined research priorities for the region is now available.

The GMRP and implementation plan will assist research administrators by providing insight on how the research priorities and capabilities of their agency/organization can benefit from and contribute to addressing the regional research needs identified in the plan.

In addition, this project will assist agencies/ organizations in updating their own strategic research and implementation plans by providing an in-depth summary of the Gulf-wide research priority areas and the related work being performed by other organizations active in the GOM research arena.

PARTICIPANTS
The four GOM Sea Grant programs will provide oversight for this project, and the GOM regional research planning coordinator will organize the effort. The Planning and Review Council (PRC) will provide guidance on plan development and identify opportunities for organizations to cooperatively address critical research needs. The PRC will consist of U.S. and Mexican representatives from state and federal agencies, universities, laboratories, and private and non-profit organizations.

Broad constituent participation is of the highest importance in determining the research priorities and information needs in the GOM. The success of this effort depends on the involvement of all organizations that participate in GOM research and information dissemination.

GULF OF MEXICO FACTS

• The GOM is the ninth largest body of water in the world.
• The GOM shoreline extends about 3,540 miles.
• More than 60 percent of the continental United States drains into the GOM.
• Total productive value for the GOM (Mexico and U.S.) of just four sectors (oil and gas, fisheries, port/shipping, and tourism) was estimated to be as high as $121 billion in 2003.
• Seven of the top ten U.S. ports are located in the GOM.

PLANNING DOCUMENTS
This page presents a number of strategic planning documents relevant to the Gulf of Mexico Regional Research Plan.

MORE PROJECT INFORMATION
Download PDF versions of the project.

• MASGP-07-009
• MASGP-09-017

View an introductory presentation of the project online, as a Microsoft PowerPoint file (1.69 MB), or as a PDF file (1005 KB).

CONTACT INFORMATION
Steve Sempier, Regional Research Planning Coordinator, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium
Phone: (228) 818-8830
E-mail: stephen.sempier@usm.edu

OTHER REGIONAL PLANNING EFFORTS
South Atlantic Regional Research Project (SARRP)
Gulf of Maine Regional Ocean Science Initiative
West Coast Regional Research and Information Needs
Great Lakes Regional Research Information Network
Alaska Regional Marine Research Plan