b"R O W I N G U R T U R I N L I V I N G R O M O T I N X P L O R I N GG N G P G EEconomy Environment Communities Education TourismSURFACE WATERUniQue Challenges While the region is valuable both economically andBlue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms typically environmentally, natural and man-made hazards areoccur in freshwater but became an important also a reality of life. emerging issue in Mississippi and Louisiana in 2019 after significant releases of floodwater from the All five Gulf states face challenges, includingMississippi River lowered salinity in coastal estuaries. hurricanes and coastal flooding, harmful algal blooms,Toxins from these bacteria can also cause health and marine debris. The Gulf of Mexico region is alsoproblems and affect seafood.the fastest-growing coastline nationwide, increasing in population by over 25% since 2000. This populationBecause of these events, HABs have resulted in boom has placed more pressure on an alreadymillions of dollars lost across the regions tourism, delicate ecosystem. commercial fishing, and real estate industries.Major hurricanes, flash floods from rainstorms, andMarine debris is a global problem, including in the chronic tidal flooding are all threats to people andGulf of Mexico. Any man-made trash in the water, from communities. These events flood low-lying areas andcigarette butts to abandoned boats, is considered damage critical infrastructures like roads and schools.marine debris. Most marine debris comes from plastic, With sea level rise, sunny-day flooding is increasingand these pollutants eventually break down into tiny along the Gulf coast as well. Sea level rise pushespieces of marine debris called microplastics.water even higher during high tides and causes flooding even on days when there are no storms.Fish and other animals ingest these small microplastics assuming they are food; the animals Harmful algal blooms (HABs) of red tide occur eachfeel full and can eventually starve. Microplastic year in Texas and Florida, and, in recent years, redconcentrations in the Gulf are similar to some of the tide has also appeared in Alabama, Mississippi, andhighest numbers reported worldwide. Louisiana. The organism that causes most red tides (Karenia brevis) releases a toxin that can cause fish kills, as well as coughing, wheezing and skin irritation for people. Photos: GOMATHE GULF HAS FOUROF THE COUNTRY'SLARGEST FISHING PORTS.Whos Minding the Planet? 23"