About our Gulf of Mexico / Gulf of America news
Latest news on Gulf of Mexico / Gulf of America, covering oil production, fishing industry, environmental concerns, shipping routes, and severe weather impacts.
The Gulf of Mexico, one of the world's most economically significant water bodies, is a 1.6 million square kilometre marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean bordered by the United States, Mexico, and Cuba. It serves as a crucial hub for offshore oil production, contributing 14% of U.S. oil output, while supporting major fishing industries and vital shipping routes.
Recent developments in the Gulf include ongoing debates over its naming, with the U.S. federal government adopting "Gulf of America" for domestic use in January 2025, though this change does not affect international usage. Environmental challenges persist, including the expanding hypoxic "dead zone" along the Texas-Louisiana coastline, which reached its largest recorded size of 22,730 square kilometres in 2017, threatening marine ecosystems and fishing industries.
The Gulf's vibrant coastal communities, from Houston and New Orleans to Veracruz and Havana, reflect its rich cultural tapestry. With a combined population of over 86 million people in the coastal regions of the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba, the Gulf serves as an economic lifeline for countless families dependent on its resources for their livelihoods, from commercial fishing operations to tourism enterprises.
Formed approximately 300 million years ago through plate tectonics, the Gulf of Mexico has played a pivotal role in the region's history, from pre-Columbian trade routes to modern international commerce. Its strategic importance has grown significantly since the mid-20th century with the development of offshore oil drilling, though this has also brought environmental challenges, most notably the devastating Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010.
Our NewsNow feed provides comprehensive coverage of Gulf-related developments, from environmental monitoring and oil industry news to shipping updates and weather alerts. With the Gulf's crucial role in regional economics, energy production, and climate patterns, staying informed about its changing dynamics remains essential for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and coastal residents alike.