2023 Accomplishments: The Year in Review

NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration works to protect and restore ocean and coastal resources from the impacts of threats such as marine debris, oil spills, hazardous materials, and disasters, thus benefiting the environment, public, and economy.

Drone overflight image shows areas protected by containment and sorbent boom.
In April, MSU Port Arthur contacted OR&R to request input on cleanup methods after a pipeline spill into the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Drone overflight image shows areas protected by containment and sorbent boom. Image credit: Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office.

In fiscal year (FY) 2023, we:

  • awarded approximately $67 million in federal funds to 13 transformational projects to remove marine debris through funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and leveraged funds from the Inflation Reduction Act;
  • helped to recover $92.8 million from pollution settlements for restoration in six states;
  • supported coastal communities during disasters by providing a broad range of scientific, technical, and policy experts to support response and inform recovery;
  • awarded more than $630,000 to fund innovative all-hazard preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives in coastal communities;
  • partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes Center of Expertise to advance science capabilities for freshwater spill responses and assessments; and
  • launched technological advances for key NOAA response and assessment tools.

These accomplishments show our dedication to science-based solutions for protecting and restoring our coastal resources from the threats of environmental hazards.

“These tremendous accomplishments in Fiscal Year 2023 are a testament to the passion and drive that the OR&R team brings every day to protecting and restoring our ocean and coastal resources from the impacts of pollution and disasters. Each of these measures demonstrate the tangible positive impact supporting clean and resilient coasts.” – Scott Lundgren, OR&R Director

Derelict vessels removed from the Dog River in Alabama. Image credit: NOAA.
Derelict vessels removed from the Dog River in Alabama. Image credit: NOAA.
2023 Accomplishments: The Fiscal Year in Numbers
  • 130. That’s the number of times we were activated to support oil spills, chemical releases, and other incident responses.
  • 66. That’s the number of training events we led or hosted.
  • 2,286. That’s the number of people we trained in disaster preparedness, oil and chemical spill response, and planning.
  • 96. Metric tons of marine debris removed from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
  • $92.8 million. Funds recovered from polluters for restoration, including three oil spills and four hazardous waste (Superfund) settlements, in six coastal states.
Last updated Wednesday, December 20, 2023 11:12am PST