NOAAFinal Rule
Gulf of America Name Change
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Summary
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has changed the official name of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." This change affects how the U.S. government refers to this major body of water in official documents, maps, and communications.
Key Points
- 1NOAA officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in federal records and publications
- 2The change applies to all U.S. government agencies, maps, and official documents that reference this body of water
- 3This affects coastal communities in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida that depend on this gulf for fishing, shipping, and tourism
- 4The name change may require updates to educational materials, navigation charts, and weather forecasting systems
- 5Other countries and international organizations may continue using the traditional name of Gulf of Mexico
Impact Assessment
If you are a Federal Employee or work in maritime/mapping sectors, this means you will need to update official documents, charts, and communications to reflect the new name 'Gulf of America' instead of 'Gulf of Mexico.'
Impact Level
Routine
Geographic Scope
Regional
Compliance Cost
Minimal
Who is Affected
Federal EmployeesState GovernmentsImporters/ExportersTransportation Companies
Key Dates
Published
August 7, 2025
Regulatory Connections
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This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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