We seek to establish a sustained observing system for the Gulf of Mexico to provide observations and products needed by users in this region for the purposes of
 

• Detecting and predicting climate variability and consequences,

• Preserving and restoring healthy marine ecosystems,

• Ensuring human health,

• Managing resources,

• Facilitating safe and efficient marine transportation,

• Enhancing national security, and

• Predicting and mitigating against coastal hazards.

We envision sharing of data, models, and products via the internet for the common benefit of all participants, including industry, NGOs, academia, and federal, state, regional, and local government agencies. It is understood that this Gulf of Mexico observing system will be integrated with other regional coastal ocean observing systems, in particular to create an integrated and sustained U.S. component of the ocean observing system.

We recognize that the system will require sustained financial support from a combination of government, private, and non-governmental organizations. That will be possible only if the system is built and remains responsive to the needs of these organizations and to the public. Thus, the system will be subject to continuing oversight by representatives of such organizations and of the public.

Collaboration with other nations bordering the Gulf of Mexico is to be actively sought in the design and implementation of this regional observing system.

With your help, we are protecting Florida's largest open water estuary. Tampa Bay Watch, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit stewardship program dedicated exclusively to the charitable and scientific purpose of protecting and restoring the marine and wetland environments of the Tampa Bay estuary through scientific and educational programs.

By expanding community involvement in hands-on restoration and protection projects around the bay, we strive to counteract the huge loss of wetland habitat over the past 100 years.

Tampa Bay Watch trains and organizes citizen volunteers, students, at-risk youth, and civic organizations to participate in environmental projects while heightening community awareness of the fragile nature and importance of the environment.

We welcome you to our web site, and hope you will contact us to get involved with the effort to restore Tampa Bay every day!