July 16, 2024 — Each July NOAA celebrates Habitat Month, a month-long ode to our habitat conservation efforts. In particular, the Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program (DARRP) aims to restore habitat for fisheries and wildlife which also supports recreation and tourism for people.
Since its inception more than 30 years ago, DARRP has assessed, restored, and protected coastal environments damaged by oil spills, hazardous waste releases, and vessel groundings. NOAA and other federal and state agencies, called trustees, have recovered more than $10.7 billion from polluters. With partners, we’ve used these funds to restore important habitats and natural resources nationwide.
When oil or hazardous waste spills into the environment, it harms habitats, and can limit outdoor recreational activities like fishing, boating, and swimming. Through DARRP, NOAA helps restore and reconnect all walks of life to these natural spaces. Read on to learn about four recent restoration projects.