Conservation and Economy in Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico, known by various names, is a region of contrasts where a healthy environment and economy coexist. It is economically significant, with major sectors like oil, tourism, shipping, and fisheries. The Gulf is geographically vast, rich in biodiversity, and deeper than commonly thought, with coral reefs and salt domes. Barrier islands provide natural defenses against storms. National seashores like Padre Island are crucial for conservation. The Deepwater Horizon disaster highlighted the need to balance economic activities with environmental protection.

What are the four major economic sectors of the Gulf of Mexico?

• Tourism, Technology, Shipping, and Fisheries

• Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism, and Fisheries

• Oil, Tourism, Shipping, and Fisheries

• Oil, Agriculture, Shipping, and Technology

How does the Gulf of Mexico rank in terms of size among the world's bodies of water?

• Twelfth largest

• Ninth largest

• Seventh largest

• Fifth largest

What is a common misconception about the depth of the Gulf of Mexico?

• It is mostly shallow

• It is the smallest gulf

• It is the deepest ocean

• It has no coral reefs

What role do barrier islands play in the Gulf of Mexico?

• They provide a natural defense against storms

• They are the primary fishing areas

• They are the main tourist attractions

• They are used for oil drilling

Why is Padre Island National Seashore significant?

• It is the longest stretch of developed beach

• It is a major oil drilling site

• It is the largest coral reef area

• It is the most important Kemp's Ridley nesting beach

What is the main focus of conservation efforts at Padre Island?

• Expanding oil drilling

• Building new resorts

• Increasing tourism

• Protecting Kemp's Ridley sea turtles

What event highlighted the conflict between ecology and economy in the Gulf?

• The Gulf War

• The Great Barrier Reef bleaching

• Deepwater Horizon oil spill

• Hurricane Katrina

What is the ongoing challenge in the Gulf of Mexico regarding oil and gas?

• Reducing tourism

• Increasing oil prices

• Balancing drilling with environmental protection

• Finding new drilling sites

What is the primary concern of scientists regarding the Deepwater Horizon spill?

• The long-term environmental impact

• The immediate cleanup efforts

• The economic cost

• The political implications

What is emphasized as a shared responsibility in the Gulf of Mexico?

• Economic development

• Environmental stewardship

• Tourism promotion

• Fishing rights