NOAA Fisheries unveils $1M in new restoration projects after Deepwater Horizon
NOAA Fisheries has announced two new five-year cooperative agreements, marking the third and fourth partnerships under the Damage Assessment, Remediation and Restoration Program. These collaborations follow previous successful news with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Ducks Unlimited.
The Nature Conservancy is set to develop projects restoring habitats in Alabama's Perdido Islands complex as part of Deepwater Horizon restoration efforts. These projects aim to revive areas affected by pollution events in Alabama, Louisiana, and New York, with potential for expansion.
The Adirondack Watershed Institute will cooperate with The Nature Conservancy to restore damage to the St. Regis, Racquette, and Grasse River Watersheds in New York, impacted by hazardous waste releases. The Nature Conservancy will receive $830,000 for this news.
The Water Institute of the Gulf will also benefit from this initiative, receiving $140,000 to work on projects restoring damaged resources from the Deepwater Horizon spill in Louisiana's Barataria Basin and other coastal areas.
These partnerships, funded through the 2017 Federal Funding Opportunity, will enhance fisheries and wildlife, restore protected species, and improve coastal resiliency. Since 1992, the program has recovered over $10 billion, restoring thousands of acres and opening fish passage on many miles of streams. Partnerships are crucial for successful restoration efforts, bringing diverse perspectives and innovations.
