Although it is rare to see sharks in our waters, around 50 species call the Gulf of Mexico home. The most common found around Alabama beaches are bull sharks, great hammerhead sharks, sand tiger sharks and shortfin mako sharks. 5. The Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier is the second-longest pier in the Gulf of Mexico. 6. The Gulf of Mexico has around 1443 different species of fish in its water. Anglers can check out the most common fish found on Alabama’s beaches here. 7. It’s no secret that the best seafood comes from the Gulf, which is why 75% of the shrimp in the United States comes from the Gulf of Mexico.