Gulf Ecology Division

The mission of the Gulf Ecology Division (GED) is to conduct research to understand the physical, chemical, and biological dynamics of coastal systems in order to assess condition, determine cause, predict future risk, and establish criteria to protect the environment. Specifically, GED:

• assesses the ecological condition, ecological services and values of estuaries, coastal wetlands, submerged aquatic vegetation, and coral ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern United States;
• determines cause(s) of ecological impairment;
• predicts future risk to populations, communities and ecosystems from multiple aquatic stressors;
• supports the development of criteria to protect coastal environments; and
• transfers scientific technology to federal and state agencies, industry, and the public.