For over 30 years, the Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program (DARRP)—formally created by NOAA in 1992 in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez oil spill—has assessed, restored, and protected coastal environments damaged by oil spills, hazardous waste releases, and vessel groundings.

In 2023 alone, NOAA and partners achieved seven pollution settlements totaling $92.8 million, were actively engaged in 58 restoration projects, and released six restoration plans authorizing over $3.73 billion for future restoration to address pollution impacts. NOAA and partners worked to assess the impacts of these incidents and reach legal settlements with those responsible to fund restoration.

In April, DARRP released its 2023 Accomplishments, highlighting major accomplishments achieved over the past year, the coastal communities to benefit from pollution recoveries, and the partners helping to advance their work.