Information from the Open Ocean Monitoring and Adaptive Management Workshop

On February 4, 2019 the Open Ocean Restoration Area Trustees held a workshop to seek input on the identification and prioritization of information needed to facilitate restoration of resources injured by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The workshop was held during the 2019 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference. More than 50 stakeholders participated.

The workshop included an overview of the Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group’s restoration goals, current restoration priorities and development of our strategy for monitoring and adaptive management. Participants worked in

Mississippi Acquires Land in Grand Bay with Deepwater Horizon Settlement Funds

On December 21, 2018, the State of Mississippi acquired approximately 1,500 acres of coastal wildlife habitat at the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and the Grand Bay Savanna Coastal Preserve in Jackson County. The acquisition is a component of the Mississippi’s Trustee Implementation Group’s Grand Bay Land Acquisition and Habitat Management project, a project included in the Mississippi Restoration Area 2016-2017 Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment. The project expands the permanent protection of critical ecosystems along the

Third Year of Oceanic Fish Restoration Project Kicked Off in January

The Deepwater Horizon Oceanic Fish Restoration Project, an Early Restoration Phase IV project led by NOAA, kicked off the third year of a partnership to restore important fish species impacted by the oil spill. The Trustee Council authorized $20 million toward this key effort that is already showing positive results.

This restoration project is conducted in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and a portion of the pelagic longline fishing community in the Gulf. It includes a voluntary opportunity for fishermen to be compensated for helping restore fish populations by

Workshop Notice: Open Ocean Monitoring and Adaptive Management Strategy at GoMOSES

On February 4, 2019 the Open Ocean Restoration Area Trustees will hold a workshop to seek input on the identification and prioritization of information needed to facilitate restoration for injured resources. The workshop will be held in coordination with the 2019 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference.

  • DATE: Monday, February 4, 2019.
  • LOCATION: New Orleans, LA.
  • TIME: 1:00 – 4:30 CST
  • REGISTER: Participation in the workshop is free, but seating is limited, and participants are asked to RSVP by January 21. Please see the workshop description for additional details and

Alabama Trustee Implementation Group Welcomes Public’s Project Ideas for Restoration Plan III

The Alabama Trustee Implementation Group is planning restoration activities for 2019, including the development of our third post-settlement restoration plan (Restoration Plan III) to help address impacts from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. We would like your input regarding natural resource restoration opportunities in Alabama.

We are focusing the current effort on the following Restoration Type for inclusion in the third restoration plan:

  • Provide and Enhance Recreational Opportunities

The Trustees may also consider projects under the following additional Restoration Type depending on

Nov. 30, 2018 Status Update: Florida Restoration Area Draft Restoration Plan 1 Webinar Rescheduled

The public webinar for the Florida Trustee Implementation Group's Draft Restoration Plan 1 and Environmental Assessment, which was postponed due to Hurricane Michael, has been rescheduled for Thursday, December 13, 2018 from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. 

The public webinar will include information on hurricane

Presentation, Fact Sheets Available from Texas Annual Meeting

The Texas Trustee Implementation Group held its 2018 annual public meeting on October 15, 2018. Trustee representatives provided information on the planning process and public engagement, including how to submit restoration project ideas. Additionally, the public was provided updates on work in the Texas Restoration Area, ongoing restoration projects, and plans for future efforts. Information from the public meeting is below.

Open Ocean Annual Meeting Presentation, Materials Available

The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group held its annual public meeting via an interactive webinar on November 14, 2018. During the meeting, we presented updates on the Open Ocean Restoration Area’s early restoration projects, first and second restoration plans, and monitoring and adaptive management activities. The presentation was followed by a 45 minute question and answer period where attendees’ questions were answered by Trustee staff.

The webinar presentation and script, and question and answer transcripts are now available below.

Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group Considering Changes to the Lake Charles Science Center and Educational Complex

Notice of Intent to Supplement a Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment

The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (Louisiana TIG) is considering location and design changes to improve access, and increase visitation and recreational use benefits of the Lake Charles Science Center and Educational Complex (Lake Charles SCEC) project approved in the July 2018 Final Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment #2: Provide and Enhance Recreational Opportunities (Recreational Use Plan #2). During this process, we will ensure consistency with the project’s outreach and education objectives