Gulf of Mexico protection plan announced

Federal officials and representatives of five Gulf Coast states have unveiled a plan in Corpus Christi, Texas, to improve the Gulf's environmental health.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen Castille said the three-year, 11-step plan calls for "sharing science, expertise and financial resources (so as to) better protect the health of the Gulf of Mexico and secure a lasting underwater legacy for future generations."

Officials from several U.S. federal agencies and the governors from four Mexican states joined officials from Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi and Alabama in Corpus Christi Wednesday for the "Gulf of Mexico Summit."

The Governors' Action Plan for Healthy and Resilient Coasts outlines actions to improve and protect water quality, restore coastal wetlands and estuarine ecosystems, reduce pollution and nutrient loading, identify Gulf habitats to support coastal management and expand environmental education.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International