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Attachment 2 



Gulf of Mexico Regional Marine Research 



Program 



The NOAA/EPA Regi<mal Marine Researd\ Program (RMRP) will enable the 

 research community to engage in long term, regional research on ecosystem health, 

 water quality and ecological processes relating to human impacts and management 

 of the Gulf of Mexico. The RMRP was authorized by the 101st Congress in Public 

 Law 101-593, through amendment of the marine Protection, Research and 

 Sanctuaries Act (33 U.S.C 1401, Title IV). The purpose of this amendment is to 

 establish regional research programs, under effective Federal oversight to (1) set 

 priorities for regional marine and coastal research in s\ipport of efforts to safeguard 

 the water quality and ecosystem healtii of each region; and (2) carry out such 

 research through grants and imjM-oved coordination. 



The Gulf of Mexico Regional Marine Researdx Board, diaired by the Texas Sea 

 Grant Director and with appointees from EPA, NOAA and the Gulf State 

 Governors, is charged with development of a Gulf of Mexico Regional Marine 

 Research Plan as the first step in implementing the Program. The geographical area 

 to be considered incorporates the marine and coastal waters off the States of Florida, 

 Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas along the Gulf coast from and including 

 the Florida Keys to the Mexican border. 



