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Force. and the U.S. Coast Guard. This symposium signatory document was termed
“A Partnership for Action.”
The goal of the Gulf of Mexico Program is to protect, restore, and enhance
the coastal and marine waters of the Gulf of Mexico and its coastal natural habitats;
to sustain living resources; to protect human health and the food supply; and to ensure
the recreational use of Gulf shores, beaches and waters in ways consistent with the
well-being of the region.
Program Purpose
The main purpose of the Program is to develop and implement an agenda for
protecting, restoring, and maintaining the health and productivity of the Gulf and
ensure that the waters and products of the Gulf are safe for use. Such a strategy
should achieve a balance between the impacts and demands of human-related
activities and the preservation and enhancement of the marine resources of the Gulf.
By building on, enhancing, and coordinating existing programs and missions the Gulf
of Mexico Program serves as a catalyst for change. As stated in the first Five-Year
Stategy the framework for action provides
* A mechanism for addressing complex problems that cross federal, state,
and international jurisdictional lines;
* Better coordination among federal, state, and local programs, thus
increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the long-term effort to manage
and protect Gulf resources;
� A regional perspective to address research needs, resulting in improved
transfer of information and methods for supporting effective management
decisions; and
* A forum for affected groups using the Gulf, for public and private
educational institutions, and for the general public to participate in the
solution process.
Implementation is directed through a Policy Review Board (PRB), a Citizen’s
Advisory Committee (CAC), and a Management Committee with guidance
from a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
consists of 22 senior level representatives of state and federal agencies. The
by a smaller 12 person MC in guiding and reviewing activities
MC assists the PRB in carrying out its mission. The PRB is still