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 WATERPhoto: Alma RobixhauxPartnerships for a Healthier Gulf The Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA) recognizes building collaborative partnerships is the way to address environmental and economic challenges in the Gulf region. The Alliance has built a unique partnership of state and federal agencies, local governments, non-profits, academics, and businesses who work together to address regional challenges.The Alliance has supported numerous communities in projects that incorporate science into their planning, help improve stormwater management, and lower flood insurance rates. These projects help increase awareness of the ways human and aquatic health are tied to the economic strength of the region.To help promote individual resilience, GOMA andits partners have prepared a HomeownersIN TEXAS, FROM 19562017, AHandbook with small, cost-effective steps to protectfamilies and property from hurricanes and floods. TOTAL SAND VOLUME OF 4.5 BILLION CUBIC YARDS WAS One recent project has focused on expandingautonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) gliderUSED TO RE-NOURISH 27.8deployments to understand where red tide bloomsMILES OF BEACH. begin in Florida. This information is critical forseasonal forecasting and limiting beach closuresthat impact tourism. To further understand the financial impact ofHABs, economists are comparing metrics connecting Florida red tide events to tourism, housing sales,and fishing activity. Early results from this newproject show Google search trends and socialmedia posts about red tides are highly correlatedwith customers canceling hotel rooms, dinnerreservations, and fishing trips. Even on days whenno red tide is present, news stories and social mediashares can change customer behavior. Another project has supported the development of a handheld genetic sensor that allows scientists tomore easily detect toxic and non-toxic species ofalgae, improving response decisions by fisherymanagers responsible for preventingfoodborne illness. 24 MISSION: WATER'