Nearly 450 attendees from across the Gulf gathered to learn about the blue economy and collaborate on environmental issues of regional importance
Biloxi, Miss., May 6, 2025 – Nearly 450 attendees from state and federal agencies, universities, non-profits, and industry are gathering this week in Biloxi, Miss., to focus on the environmental and economic health of the Gulf region as part of the Gulf of America Alliance’s 2025 All Hands Meeting.
This year’s meeting focused specifically on the importance of the coast’s blue economy, which combines traditional industries like shipbuilding and fishing with cutting-edge technology and innovation. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves kicked off the meeting with a welcome to the event saying, “Mississippi holds the third highest concentration of blue economy jobs in the entire nation. Our eyes are set on what is next and the Gulf Coast is vital to our future.”
A panel discussion followed, highlighting The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Blue, a program that fosters innovation by supporting late-stage startups and helping them engage with key partners and potential customers. “Gulf Blue is always on,” said Joel Lawhead with Tek Annoa, LLC. “Gulf Blue doesn’t just demonstrate technology, it demonstrates solutions.” The Alliance also hosted an event showing off local oyster aquaculture operations to regional business and industry leaders.
Throughout the week, attendees are participating in numerous workshops, professional development opportunities, and presentations on coastal community resilience, wildlife and fisheries, water quality, habitat restoration, environmental education, and marine debris. The overall goal of the meeting is to foster collaboration on these issues that impact the region as a whole, finding common solutions and identifying projects that will make a positive future impact.
“Together, we are making a difference,” said Laura Bowie, executive director for the Gulf of America Alliance. “We’re making the Gulf a better place through increased regional collaboration.”