Gulf of America Alliance, Shell launch initiative to make a positive impact on Gulf biodiversity

Initial funding will support a project to improve oyster restoration approaches and increase species diversity in coastal Alabama

OCEAN SPRINGS, MS, UNITED STATES, November 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Gulf of America Alliance is announcing a new program, administered by the Alliance and funded by Shell, that will make a positive impact on biodiversity in the Gulf of America and address Alliance priority actions. Projects funded through this program will make a measurable impact on coastal species and critical habitats through conservation, restoration, and management actions.

Auburn University has been selected to receive the first program award, which totals nearly $400,000, to restore oyster habitat in Little Dauphin Bay in south Mobile County, Ala.

The project focuses on establishing self-sustaining oyster spawning sanctuaries, stabilizing the shoreline to prevent marsh erosion, and improving restoration approaches using innovative techniques.

“This program is a perfect example of how the Alliance works as a regional partner to improve the health and resilience of the Gulf. We know the value of oyster reefs to the Dauphin Island community, and we look forward to further restoring this ecosystem,” said Laura Bowie, Executive Director, Gulf of America Alliance.

Shell has operated in the deep waters of the Gulf of America for nearly 50 years and has a long history of partnering with regional and local groups working on identifying and addressing the complex challenges facing our oceans and coasts. This partnership with the Gulf of America Alliance is aimed at supporting practical, science-based projects designed to strengthen ecosystems and improve habitat resilience for coastal and marine species and communities across the Gulf of America.

“I am very appreciative of Shell’s support for this excellent oyster restoration project on Dauphin Island. This project builds on a previous pilot project Governor Ivey funded for Auburn University through state Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GoMESA) revenues,” said Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Ben C. Stimpson, Jr. “Growing up in coastal Alabama and spending my summers on Dauphin Island, I remember Little Dauphin Bay and the creeks and bayous being full of oysters. I hope this project goes a long way to seeing that level of oyster biomass in the area again.”

The project team will create new oyster reefs at six high-priority restoration sites and monitor their success as “biological engines” to increase oysters, blue crabs, shrimp, and fish species. The project is expected to last three years.

“Our previous restoration efforts in Little Dauphin Bay demonstrated both the potential of using aquaculture techniques to restore oyster populations and the challenges these populations face,” said Andrea Tarnecki, Assistant Extension Professor at Auburn University and Director of the Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory. “This project allows us to build on those findings and explore new approaches to establishing sustainable oyster reefs that support marine life and improve coastal habitat.”

About the Gulf of America Alliance
The Gulf of America Alliance is a regional partnership focused on enhancing the environmental and economic health of the region through increased collaboration. Led by the five Gulf states, our network includes over 165 participating organizations from state and federal agencies, local governments, communities, academia, non-governmental organizations, and industry. Working with these partners, we address priority issues including coastal community resilience; data and monitoring; education; habitat; water resources; wildlife and fisheries; and marine debris. gulfofamericaalliance.org
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David Lee Simmons
Gulf of America Alliance
+1 504-352-2539
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