This presentation will highlight a regional collaboration funded by the Gulf of America Alliance (GOAA) to evaluate the status and trends of oyster habitat in the Northern Gulf States of Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The study, conducted by Freese and Nichols, Inc., builds upon previous GOAA-led efforts in Texas and Louisiana to create a comprehensive, Gulf-wide understanding of oyster habitat dynamics and management needs.

The study focuses on compiling, analyzing, and interpreting existing oyster habitat data to establish historical baselines, assess long-term changes, and identify spatial and temporal trends in oyster extent and condition from approximately 1985 to the present. Through collaboration with state resource agencies and local stakeholders, the team is cataloging publicly available datasets and historical surveys—ranging from 19th-century Bureau of Fisheries reports to modern ArcGIS-based monitoring systems—to evaluate habitat distribution, restoration outcomes, and monitoring consistency across jurisdictions.

The resulting analysis will characterize regional and local threats to oyster ecosystems. Spatial data products generated through this work will be integrated into GOAA’s Oyster Community of Practice ArcGIS Online platform, supporting shared access and visualization for future management and restoration planning.