Page 82 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2023

THE
BLUE
ECONOMY
story by Christina Mohrman photo courtesy of Gulf of Mexico Alliance
What do ports, a day at the beach, and fresh seafood all have in common? They depend on a healthy Gulf of Mexico! Our coastal communities, economy, and way of life are tied to the Gulf and the resources it provides. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), marine construction, tourism, fishing, and other industries support
a thriving economy worth over $115 billion across the entire Gulf region. More than 616,000 Coast jobs are tied to marine industries.
The Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA) is a regional partnership that connects people and resources to improve the environmental and economic health of the Gulf of Mexico region. To foster and strengthen business engagement, the Alliance has created two unique opportunities for industry partners in the region to participate in a healthy Gulf ecosystem – a Business Advisory Council and the Gulf Star Program.
The GOMA Business Advisory Council is committed to promoting a shared sense of stewardship for the Gulf and provides a forum for input. Over 60 representatives from
industries operating in and around the Gulf of Mexico region participate. The group includes tourism, oil and gas, manufacturing, utilities/energy, transportation, seafood, agriculture, and environmental consultants.
GOMA’s Gulf Star Program is a public-private partnership that funds regional projects to support healthy ecosystems and impact Gulf economies. In just a few short years, the program has become known for its success in leveraging public and private funding. Gulf Star partners include government agencies and several of the region’s leading corporations working together. We encourage local industries who want to support coastal community resilience, environmental education, clean water, and vulnerable wildlife populations to join our efforts.
“Our success is built on building inclusive networks of people interested in doing good things for the Gulf,” said Laura Bowie, executive director for the Gulf of Mexico Alliance. “We welcome business and industry partners who want to make a difference right where they operate.”
Learn more at www.gulfofmexicoalliance.org.
www.gulfofmexicoalliance.org @gulfofmexicoalliance
82 | August 2023 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living