Gulf of Mexico

Known as the American Mediterranean, the Gulf of Mexico is an economic and environmental treasure in the southeast. Within its 600,000 square miles lie natural wonders and habitats ranging from an underwater Grand Canyon 12,000 feet deep to coral reefs and one of the largest contiguous seagrass beds in the northern hemisphere.

These riches draw anglers, divers and tourists from around the world who expect healthy waters and robust fish populations. Yet years of overfishing is taking a toll on the world’s ninth largest body of water. Several fish species are at critically low levels. The Gulf supplies a diverse bounty of seafood, from shrimp to swordfish. But depleting fish too fast risks unbalancing this fragile ecosystem and damaging an economic engine that supports millions of people and jobs.