The Gulf of Mexico Bay-Watershed Education and Training Program (Gulf B-WET) 

Begun in 2008, the Gulf of Mexico Bay-Watershed Education and Training (Gulf B-WET) Program is an environmental education program that supports experiential learning through local competitive grants. The Gulf B-WET flier provides a summary of the Gulf B-WET program.

NOAA recognizes that knowledge and commitment built from firsthand experience, especially in the context of one’s community and culture, is essential for achieving environmental stewardship. Experiences that are driven by rigorous academic learning standards, engender discovery and wonder, and nurture a sense of community will connect students with their watershed. These experiences will also reinforce an ethic of responsible citizenship and promote academic achievement.

The cornerstone of B-WET is the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE). A MWEE is and educational experience that:

• is investigative or project oriented
• is an integral part of the instructional program
• is part of a sustained activity
• considers the watershed as a system
• is enhanced by NOAA products, services, or personnel, where appropriate

Additionally, Gulf of Mexico B-WET projects support the priority issues of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance, a partnership of the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, with the goal of significantly increasing regional collaboration to enhance the ecological and economic health of the Gulf of Mexico. The Alliance has identified the following regionally significant priority issues :

•    Water Quality
•    Habitat Conservation and Restoration
•    Ecosystem Integration and Assessment
•    Nutrients & Nutrient Impacts
•    Coastal Community Resilience
•    Environmental Education

The Gulf B-WET Program is one of seven B-WET regional programs across the country including California, Chesapeake Bay, Gulf of Mexico, Hawai'i, New England, Great Lakes and the Pacific Northwest. These seven programs make up the National NOAA B-WET Program which responds to regional education and environmental priorities through local implementation.