Gulf states launch five-year coastal resilience plan

The Gulf of America Alliance has released Governors’ Action Plan V, a five-year regional work plan signed by all five Gulf state governors. The plan sets shared priorities for coastal resilience, habitat, water, wildlife and economic health across the Gulf through 2031.

Why it matters: - The new plan sets a common agenda for Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas on coastal issues that affect communities, ecosystems and local economies. - The Gulf of America Alliance says the work plan is designed to help protect and strengthen one of the nation’s most important natural and economic resources. - The plan covers 2026-2031, giving Gulf states a shared framework for action over the next five years.

What happened: - The Gulf of America Alliance released Governors’ Action Plan V for Healthy and Resilient Coasts in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. - Governors of all five Gulf states signed the plan. - The document is the fifth in a series of collaborative work plans for the Gulf region. - The Alliance said the plan identifies priority issues, focus areas and actions to improve the environmental and economic health of the Gulf of America.

The details: - The plan’s priority issues are coastal community resilience, education and engagement, habitat resources, marine debris, water resources, and wildlife and fisheries. - The work was developed as a shared effort among the five Gulf states, with federal agencies, academia, nonprofit organizations and industry. - Continued state leadership and federal cooperation remain central to the Alliance’s implementation strategy. - Laura Bowie, executive director of the Gulf of America Alliance, said the group has spent more than two decades building collaboration across the region. - Ben C. Stimpson Jr., commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and chair of the Alliance Management Team, said the plan reflects a shared vision and collective commitment among the Gulf states. - Keelin Kuipers, acting director of NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, said the Gulf states are continuing their commitment to protecting shores and supporting a strong economic future. - Dr. Jon Hemming, Gulf of America’s science coordinator at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said wetlands, estuaries, beaches and open waters support fish and wildlife habitat as well as regional communities and economies. - Kevin McOmber, EPA Region 4 administrator, said the plan provides a roadmap for improving water quality, restoring ecosystems and building more resilient coasts in Alabama, Florida and Mississippi. - Scott Mason, EPA Region 6 administrator, said the plan creates a clear path for members to achieve shared and individual goals while preserving the Gulf Coast resource.

Between the lines: - The plan signals that the Gulf states are continuing a regional model instead of tackling coastal management state by state. - The participation of NOAA, EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, academia and industry suggests the Alliance is trying to align environmental goals with economic priorities. - The emphasis on resilience, debris, water quality and habitat points to practical problems that cut across state borders.

What's next: - The Alliance will rely on state leadership and federal cooperation to carry out the plan through 2031. - Gulf states and partners are expected to implement the actions identified in Governors’ Action Plan V. - More information and the full plan are available at the Alliance’s website.