Gulf of Mexico Foundation facts for kids
The Gulf of Mexico Foundation was started in 1990. It is a group of people who care about the health of the Gulf of Mexico. They work to protect this important ocean area.
What the Foundation Does
The Foundation is based in Corpus Christi, Texas. It runs many programs to help the Gulf of Mexico. These programs include:
- A team that works to protect natural habitats and conserve wildlife.
- Workshops for teachers to learn about wetlands. Wetlands are important areas where land and water meet.
- Science and Spanish clubs for high school students. These clubs help students learn more about the Gulf.
- A special meeting called the Gulf of Mexico Summit. This meeting is held with groups from Mexico to discuss protecting the Gulf together.
Who Leads the Foundation
The Foundation is led by Quenton Dokken, who is a marine biologist. A marine biologist studies ocean life. The board of directors helps guide the Foundation. The board is led by Paul Kelly. Other people on the board come from companies like Shell Oil Company, ConocoPhillips, and Transocean. These companies are involved in oil drilling. Some board members also work in law, environment, or marketing. About half of the 19 board members have connections to the offshore oil drilling industry.
How the Foundation Gets Money
The Foundation has a budget of about $2 million each year. About one-quarter of its money comes from companies. This includes oil and gas companies. The other three-quarters of its money comes from grants. These grants are given by state and federal governments. The Foundation's website often highlights the support it gets from oil and gas companies.
