Gulf of Mexico:
A Threatened Global Port

The Gulf of Mexico (the Gulf) is essential to the United States both in terms of its economic and ecological value. The physical location of the Gulf allows for a robust shipping industry, with the region being home to seven of the top ten U.S. ports, including two of the world’s top ports (New Orleans and Houston). The region is also crucial to the oil and gas industry. The coastal and offshore areas of the Gulf are the source of approximately 23 percent of gas production and 30 percent of oil production for the United States. In terms of commercial fisheries, the Gulf’s wetlands serve as a natural breeding ground for much of the country’s seafood, with 95% of all marine life in the Gulf of Mexico spending all or part of its life cycle in these coastal wetlands.

As one of the most economically productive bodies of water in North America, the Gulf is continually threatened by anthropogenic pressures disrupting the structure, and frequently the function, of many of the Gulf’s sensitive ecosystems. The response of the Gulf ecosystem to poor water quality is ever present in the form of the 7,000 square mile hypoxic or “dead” zone that forms annually off the coast of Louisiana, and in the increase of harmful algal blooms that materialize and move throughout the region.

As one of the most economically productive bodies of water in North America, the Gulf is continually threatened by anthropogenic pressures disrupting the structure, and frequently the function, of many of the Gulf's sensitive ecosystems.

The increase in the frequency and strength of natural disasters such as hurricanes, has caused substantial destruction to the Gulf’s protective wetlands and barrier islands. The protective wetlands and barrier islands serve as an essential barrier to protect more than two million people from hurricanes and storm surges. As the protective wetlands and barrier islands disappear, wells, pipelines, ports, roads and levees, which are key to energy delivery, become more vulnerable and the potential for damaging oil spills increases.

In an effort to respond to these environmental challenges, many state and federal agencies have come together with a common goal of addressing key priority environmental issues in the region. In March 2006 the Governors of the five U.S. states bordering the Gulf of Mexico unveiled the Governors’ Action Plan for Healthy and Resilient Coasts. This plan challenges the Gulf states to make tangible progress on addressing water quality issues, wetland and coastal conservation issues, environmental education, Gulf habitat characterization and nutrient reduction issues over the next 36 months.

Over the past 10 years, Battelle has supported many environmental efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. Currently, Battelle is working with several government (EPA, USACE, State of Florida, Louisiana Parishes, MMS, NASA, NOAA) and industrial (PEMEX, American Petroleum Institute, Mexican Petroleum Institute, and the Mexican state of Veracruz) clients to assist with foreseeing, understanding, and managing the Gulf’s complex environmental challenges. For additional information, contact Ms. Sally Yozell at (781) 952-5331, yozells@battelle.org.