The Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force Monday released an action plan that involves state and federal partners in reducing hypoxia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. The program builds upon a 2001 plan by incorporating emerging issues, innovative approaches, and the latest science, including findings from EPA’s Science Advisory Board, according to the agency.

“Our improved plan unites governments and citizens across the country to take action upstream and along the coast to reduce river nutrient pollution and increase Gulf of Mexico health,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles. “Sound science, cooperative conservation, and innovation will accelerate environmental progress throughout the 31-state watershed and this plan puts us on a course to do just that.”

Improvements include more accountability through an annual operating plan, better tracking of progress, state as well as federal nutrient reduction strategies, and a plan to increase awareness of the problem and implementation of solutions. The plan connects upstream and downstream problems to solutions in sustaining the Mississippi River Basin and its tributaries.