Gulf of America Name Change is Official
Yes, it's real.
It’s official: The Gulf of Mexico has been renamed the Gulf of America.
President Donald J. Trump followed through with this Day One promise to “restore names that honor American greatness”:
It is in the national interest to promote the extraordinary heritage of our Nation and ensure future generations of American citizens celebrate the legacy of our American heroes. The naming of our national treasures, including breathtaking natural wonders and historic works of art, should honor the contributions of visionary and patriotic Americans in our Nation’s rich past.
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Sec. 4. Gulf of America. (a) The area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico has long been an integral asset to our once burgeoning Nation and has remained an indelible part of America. The Gulf was a crucial artery for America’s early trade and global commerce. It is the largest gulf in the world, and the United States coastline along this remarkable body of water spans over 1,700 miles and contains nearly 160 million acres. Its natural resources and wildlife remain central to America’s economy today. The bountiful geology of this basin has made it one of the most prodigious oil and gas regions in the world, providing roughly 14% of our Nation’s crude-oil production and an abundance of natural gas, and consistently driving new and innovative technologies that have allowed us to tap into some of the deepest and richest oil reservoirs in the world. The Gulf is also home to vibrant American fisheries teeming with snapper, shrimp, grouper, stone crab, and other species, and it is recognized as one of the most productive fisheries in the world, with the second largest volume of commercial fishing landings by region in the Nation, contributing millions of dollars to local American economies. The Gulf is also a favorite destination for American tourism and recreation activities. Further, the Gulf is a vital region for the multi-billion-dollar U.S. maritime industry, providing some of the largest and most impressive ports in the world. The Gulf will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s future and the global economy, and in recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its critical importance to our Nation’s economy and its people, I am directing that it officially be renamed the Gulf of America.
The U.S. Geological Service, Google Maps, Apple Maps, and others have reflected this change since the new change came from the Geographic Names Information System. Even oil giants like Chevron started incorporating mention of Gulf of America ahead of the official rename.
This was followed up with a February 9th proclamation establishing Gulf of America Day.
This decree has invited a lot of debate. Debate is healthy and many questions abound over the urgency of renaming our Gulf.
Is it trolling? Is it intended to bolster oil and gas production in the Gulf ? Will it lead to more American fishing, boating, and vacationing in the region? I asked this question on Instagram and the responses have been VERY interesting. Some comments are vile and ad hominem attacks, so I had to delete them.
For a longer deep dive, listen to District of Conservation today. Out now:
Do you agree with the rename? Tell me what you think!
I think Gulf of Margaritaville would have been more appropriate, and more accurate.
And I'm sorry that you received the crap. No excuse for that! What's the old saying, slander is the tool of losers?