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As a trustee for coastal resources, NOAA protects and restores habitats injured by hazardous waste sites, oil spills and vessel groundings.

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Planting marsh vegetation

Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Trustees Call for Public Input on Early Restoration of the Gulf

On December 14, 2011, the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees released the Deepwater Horizon Draft Phase 1 Early Restoration Plan & Environmental Assessment (DERP/EA) for public input and suggestions. It is the first in an anticipated series of plans to begin restoration of the Gulf of Mexico to compensate for the natural resource injuries, including loss of human use of Gulf resources impacted by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

The DERP/EA describes the initial projects proposed to receive funding from the $1 billion Early Restoration agreement announced by the Trustees and BP on April 21, 2011. The Trustees will hold 12 public meetings in January and February 2012 throughout Gulf Coast communities and in Washington, D.C. to solicit public input on the DERP/EA. Please visit the Gulf Spill Restoration website for more information.

Connecticut River, Holyoke MA

Draft Restoration Plan for the Holyoke Coal Tar Deposit and Former Holyoke Gas Works, Holyoke, Massachusetts Available for Public Review

NOAA is seeking public review of and comment on the Draft Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment (RP/EA) for the Holyoke Coal Tar deposit and former Holyoke Gas Works, which injured aquatic habitat for benthic organisms as well as fish and freshwater mussels of the Connecticut River. The preferred alternatives are to remove the Bartlett Rod Shop Company Dam, Pelham, MA to restore anadromous fish passage, restoration of fish passage and fishway installation at the Manhan River Dam, Easthampton, MA, and conduct endangered mussel surveys along portions of the CT River mainstem. Public comments are being accepted through January 31, 2012.

This is a small moray eel in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of Maui.

U.S. Residents Say Hawaii's Coral Reef Ecosystems Worth $33.57 Billion per Year

A new peer-reviewed study, commissioned by NOAA, reveals the estimated total economic value the American people hold for the coral reefs of the main Hawaiian Islands is $33.57 billion. Economists from the Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program played a key role in the development and implementation of this study. The study employed a scientifically developed national Internet survey of more than 3,200 households – a representative sample of all U.S. residents, not just Hawaiians or coastal dwellers. From June through October 2009, the survey allowed the public to express its preferences and values for protection and restoration of the coral reef ecosystems around the main Hawaiian Islands. In this study, total economic value includes passive use values, such as the willingness to pay to protect the coral reef ecosystem for future generations, and direct use values-- snorkeling over a coral reef or consuming fish supported by coral reef ecosystems. Learn more about this study.

California Brown Pelicans populations declined in the 1960s from DDT and PCB toxins found in the food they eat.

Restoring Habitat in Southern California: Public Review Begins

We want to hear from you! The Montrose Settlements Restoration Program has released a draft Phase 2 Restoration Plan, and we are asking for public comment. The draft plan summarizes restoration work that has been completed from the Phase 1 Restoration Plan and proposes projects for the next phase. The plan focuses on restoring natural resources that were affected by DDT and PCB contamination, including Channel Island Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, and seabirds, as well as fish habitat. In most cases, the Phase 2 Plan continues or expands on projects from Phase 1. View the draft restoration plan now and send your comments to msrp@noaa.gov. Comments are due by December 19, 2011.

The container ship M/V Cosco Busan after striking the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge (Photo provided by US Coast Guard District 11 Public Affairs)

$36.8 Million to Help Restore Natural Resources Injured by Cosco Busan Oil Spill

A settlement announced on Sept. 19, 2011, will restore natural resources injured by the Nov. 7, 2007, M/V Cosco Busan oil spill in the San Francisco Bay. State and federal trustee agencies will use the majority of funds from this $36.8 million settlement to implement a variety of restoration projects. The trustees also released a Draft Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan, which proposes specific projects to address specific injuries. Public comments are being requested on this plan until Oct. 31, 2011. For additional information, please see the Cosco Busan settlement press release, restoration plan press release, and newsletter.