1. Key Focus Area Messaging
Gulf of Mexico Alliance

2. Five Focus Areas across the Gulf of Mexico region
The purpose of the Embrace the Gulf: 2020 campaign is to raise awareness of the value, sustainability and beauty of one of our nation’s greatest treasures: the Gulf of Mexico. It is designed to preserve, promote and enhance the Gulf through effective communication, education, partnerships, and community engagement. The following pages give sharable key messages for team partners, sponsors, community leaders, and the region at large.

3. Key Message: Building Appreciation
“We learn from the Gulf, her people and her Coast.”
Message #1 –WISDOM. With over 61 million people in the 5-state region, we help establish responsible practices for the entire Gulf of Mexico ecosystem.
Message #2 – UNDERSTANDING. With over 15,000 marine species and 350 endangered creatures within the Gulf and its watershed, we are continuously making new discoveries.
Message #3 – AWARENESS. By increasing awareness of the Gulf of Mexico’s many treasures and limitless value, we ensure a sustainable future.
Message #5 – DATA. Comprehensive data monitoring and mapping in a collaborative way broadens the overall access of critical research to scientists, educators, the public, and the media.
Message #6 – STEWARDS. Environmental and educational outreach efforts are cornerstones to effective, long-term stewardship.

4. Key Message: Sustained Resilience
“The Gulf sustains and nurtures us.”
Message #1 – AFFORDABLE. With 1,631 miles of shoreline, the region remains an affordable coastal living area within the United States.
Message #2 –DIVERSE HERITAGE. The Gulf Coast is one of the most culturally diverse regions in the nation. It embraces both a variety of traditions and a strong sense of place.
Message #3 – RESILIENT. As adaptable communities, we , leverage knowledge, tools and resources to live in harmony with the Gulf of Mexico.
Message #4 – RENEWABLE. Our area’s renewable harvests, from both the land and sea, provide an expansive, sustainable food supply that extends far beyond our Gulf region’s borders.

5. Key Message: Nature’s Guardians
“We care, nurture and protect the Gulf to ensure its vibrancy and longevity for generations to come.”
Message #1 – PROTECTING. There are 207 estuaries, 15.6 million acres of wetlands, 8 national parks and 47 wildlife refuges in our Gulf ecosystem.
Message #2 – CONNECTION. Science is the vital link to understanding the Gulf of Mexico, its varied ecosystems and all its inhabitants.
Message #3 – COMPATIBLE. With 31 of our 50 United States draining into the Gulf of Mexico, we work diligently to ensure a healthy balance between steady growth and long-term sustainability.
Message #4 – RESOURCEFUL. We embrace a multi-disciplinary approach with our 90 various agencies across the region. We work together, alongside educators, scientists, industries and communities to safeguard our resources and participate in the best science management practices across the five-state area.

6. Key Message: Responsible Growth
“We work WITH the Gulf and respect her sustainable resources.”
Message #1 – SOUND INVESTMENT. If the five Gulf states were a country, our economy would rank in the TOP 10 worldwide with a GDP of over $2 trillion.
Message #2 – ENERGY GATEWAY. Every day, half of the United States energy comes through the Gulf.
Message #3 – PRODUCTIVE. 30% of the entire US Coastal economy is generated along our five-state region!
Message #4 –SIX MILLION STRONG! The Gulf of Mexico’s coastal areas employ more than 6 million people.
Message #5 – LEADER. We are home to six of the top 10 most productive shipping ports in the country.

7. Key Message: Adventure Awaits
“The Gulf region provides year-round leisure opportunities.”
Message #1 – BOOMING. Tourism and travel within the five-state region generates more than $177 billion annually.
Message #2 – YEAR-ROUND. From pristine beaches, carnivals, Mardi Gras’, to eclectic art and music festivals, endless adventure awaits.
Message #3 – GAME ON! Our region’s casinos rank among the top gaming markets in the country.
Message #4 – GREEN. “Eco-travel” is a growing way to discover, explore and enjoy the natural wonders of the Gulf Coast.