The Gulf of America is a natural laboratory for understanding how ocean and coastal systems respond to multiple stressors. Among the most pressing challenges are ocean and coastal acidification (OA/COA), which are transforming the chemistry of Gulf waters and threatening the health of corals, shellfish, and other marine life that sustain the region’s fisheries, biodiversity, and economies. Understanding and responding to these changes is critical—not only for maintaining ecosystem resilience but also for protecting the coastal communities and cultures that depend on the Gulf’s living resources. The Gulf serves as a home for over 38 million people along the coastline, so the impacts of coastal acidification extend beyond the environment, affecting the people who depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods.  To address this complexity, the Gulf of America Coastal Acidification Network (GCAN) was launched in 2015 under the Gulf of America Coastal Ocean Observing System [GCOOS), with support from the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP). GCAN connects scientists, managers, educators, and stakeholders across sectors to synthesize knowledge, identify regional priorities, and close critical data and communication gaps. This presentation will highlight the current state of OA/COA science in the Gulf, feature key partnerships and projects driving progress, and share a look ahead at GCAN’s next phase. Together, we are transforming awareness into action—strengthening Gulf-wide resilience through collaboration, innovation, and shared stewardship of our coastal ocean.