HRI'S GOALS & OBJECTIVES

1. To become a leading research institute and remain committed to high-quality, innovative research on the Gulf of Mexico.
2. To lead in synthesizing, integrating, and communicating Gulf of Mexico research.
3. To monitor and periodically publicize the "State of the Gulf," to uncover gaps in existing knowledge and to create initiatives to fill those gaps.
4. To cooperate with state and federal resource management agencies by providing scientifically-based knowledge for sound policy and management of the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding region.
5. To establish partnerships and alliances with educational, governmental, nongovernmental, and private sector organizations interested in long-term sustainable use and conservation of the Gulf of Mexico.
6. To develop strong public education and public policy programs, using diverse approaches including:
   • A Gulf of Mexico website of research institutes, research personnel, research projects, and other information about the Gulf of Mexico.
   • Conferences on Gulf of Mexico scientific and policy issues.
7. To develop a Gulf-wide Geographic Information System.
8. To foster tri-national cooperation and collaboration in science and management of the Gulf of Mexico.
9. To study the conservation biology and biodiversity of the Gulf of Mexico.
10. To study the Gulf of Mexico as a large marine ecosystem, influenced by the Caribbean Sea and surrounding watersheds, requiring monitoring, modeling, and management.