A long strange trip…from the Exxon Valdez to Embrace the Gulf March 9, 2020 Chris Simoniello, PhD [email protected] My story FIU: B.S. Biological Sciences, Certificate Program, Marine Science, 1988 • Herpetological Studies, Everglades NP • March 1989 Exxon Valdez, PWS, AK USF: PhD Marine Science, 2003 • Physiological Ecology: tropics to poles Office of Naval Research: Nascent U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (SE Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing System)--FL Sea Grant/USF-based Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (USM, IMMS, TAMU) (USF-based) Monitoring Planet Earth Global Earth Observation System of Systems* Global Ocean Observing System U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System 17 Federal Partners Alliance for Coastal Technologies 11 Regional Associations (RAs) GCOOS: coordinating entity for the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (since ~2004) FL, AL, MS, LA, TX SECOORA: SE Atlantic: NC, SC, GA, FL (to WFS) *Group on Earth Observations: more than 100 nations and 100 organizations Evolution of GCOOS: Nested data systems • First organizational meetings, 1999 • GCOOS-Regional Association, 2004 • ICOOS Act of 2009 Focus Areas • ICOOS Reauthorization Act 2018 • Marine Operations • Coastal Hazards • Healthy Ecosystems & Living Resources • Human Health & Safety Cross-Cutting Themes • Outreach & Education • Data Management & Communication • Numerical Modeling & Forecasting • Monitoring Long-term Environmental Change Evolution of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance Priorities Identified in Action Plan I Water quality Coastal conservation and restoration Environmental education • First Action Plan in 2006 • Operated as regional Characterization of Gulf habitats organization voluntarily Reductions in nutrient inputs convened by state governors • U.S. Representatives Charlie Crist, Steven Palazzo (MS), Alan Lowenthal (CA) and Later Amended: Chris Smith (NJ) recently Coastal Resilience, Data & Monitoring, introduced the Regional Ocean Partnership Act (H.R. Education & Engagement, Habitat 5390) to formally authorize Resources, Water Resources, Wildlife & ROP –goal is consistent funding. Fisheries, Ecosystems Services Assessment, Conservation, Restoration & Resilience Planning, Marine Debris Action Plan I 2006 Action Plan II 2009 Action Plan III 2016 Action Plan IV (coming soon) Governors Governors Governors Governors Bob Riley, AL Bob Riley, AL Robert Bentley, AL Kay Ivey, AL Jeb Bush, FL Charlie Crist, FL Rick Scott, FL Ron DeSantis, FL Kathleen Blanco, LA Bobby Jindal, LA John Bel Edwards, LA John Bel Edwards, LA Haley Barbour, MS Haley Barbour, MS Phil Bryant, MS Tate Reeves, MS Rick Perry, TX Rick Perry, TX Greg Abbott, TX Greg Abbott, TX https://gulfofmexicoalliance.org/about-us/governors-action-plan-for-a-healthy-and-resilient-coast/ Unlikely Path to Pinellas County and 2020 EtG: Local to global engagement • NOAA Climate Office, US delegate to the Indonesia Sea Partnership Program • United National Industrial Development Organization-Large Marine Ecosystem US liaison to Mexico • Research Scientist, Texas A&M University-USF-based • Outreach & Education Manager, GCOOS • IOOS Association Education & Outreach Committee, Past Chair • GOMA Education and Engagement Steering Committee, Past Chair • NOAA GOM Regional Collaboration Team • NOAA Weather Ready Nation Ambassador • City of St. Petersburg Community Rating System PPI Committee, Co- Chair • Pinellas Co. Flood Risk & Mitigation Public Information Working Group (Stakeholder partner) What is the 2020 Embrace the Gulf Campaign? A year-long effort to highlight the value and vitality of the GoM, including cultural, ecological, economic, social, and recreational value Why: Most of the world https://gulfofmexicoalliance.org/embrace/about/ focuses on the negative aspects of the Gulf region: hurricanes, oil spills, over fishing, habitat loss... 2020 Embrace the Gulf Campaign Website and Social Media Campaign 365 (366-Leap yr!) Positive Gulf Messages; posted daily; FB 133% increase Co-branding Events – share here https://gulfofmexicoalliance.org/embrace/get- involved-with-embrace-the-gulf/ EtG team will promote your events, post on the calendar and share via press releases, newsletter and social media EtG Gala celebrating the importance of the GoM (June, MS) City and State Proclamations declaring 2020 the Year to Embrace the Gulf St. Petersburg First to Sign a City Proclamation for EtG! Led by Council Member Brandi Gabbard and supported by Legislative Aide, Linnie Randolph Other cities have since joined What about Pinellas County and other cities and municipalities? Draft proclamation has been written for Louisiana, signature pending The State of Florida is noticeably absent. Kevin Claridge (FDEP) was leading the effort but has since left. How can we remedy? District 2 Newsletter that included EtG was shared via GCOOS and GOMA social media, reaching thousands. Thank you Council Member Gabbard for co-Brandi-ing! Examples of Events that are/can be Co-Branded • 2020 St. Petersburg Science Festival: EtG theme • Paddle the Gulf • Connecting trails that connect to Gulf • Co-Chair Citizen Science Working Group • Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas—citizens contributing data • Stewardship opportunities • Partnering with Guy Harvey Foundation • Opportunities with parks, businesses, clubs, NGOs, summer programs…perhaps a coordinated County-wide paddling event? • Launch of new education center at Pier? Earth Day events? World Oceans Day events? Community art project? Pinellas County School events? Ideas welcome! Top Ten Things You Can Do to Embrace the Gulf Become an Official Partner or Sponsor at www.embracethegulf.org Co-Brand an Event during the Year 2020 Encourage Local Municipalities and Counties to Adopt Proclamations to Embrace the Gulf Support Blue Economy Eat Gulf Seafood Engage in a Nature-Based Activity Pick up Pet Waste Recycle, Reuse, Reduce Use Substitutes for Plastic Cups, Utensils, Plates, and Straws Get Educated and Get Involved – You can Make a Difference How much do you know about the Gulf of Mexico? Trivia Challenge (for swag) Trivia 1: How many U.S. and Mexican States border the Gulf of Mexico? Trivia 1: How many U.S. and Mexican States border the Gulf of Mexico? Answer 10 10 US: FL, AL, MS, LA, TX Mexico: Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tobasco, Campeche, Yucatan Note: Quintana Roo is not counted –it borders the Caribbean. Trivia 2: What NOAA program was one of the earliest adopters of IOOS? Trivia 2:What NOAA program was one of the earliest adopters of IOOS? Physical Oceanographic Real-time System Trivia 5: What U.S. river basin, among the largest in the world, drains to the Gulf of Mexico? What U.S. river basin, among Mississippi-Atchafalaya the largest in the world, River Basin drains to the Gulf of Mexico? Questions? [email protected].