The Gulf of Mexico region is defined by environmental and economic conditions that transcend state and country boundaries, representing a host of critical integrating and conflicting factors such as mineral resources, fisheries production, ecological habitats for marine life and waterfowl, and human demands with subsequent anthropologic impacts.

As more research is being conducted in the region to help understand these conditions and factors, it becomes crucial to make research results, information, and data accessible to all. The data and information management system (DIMS) is a database driven Internet system that provides a means to access the comprehensive collection of hydrologic, geologic, biologic, and spatial information for onshore and offshore ecosystems.