OR&R and the Oil Spill Recovery Institute

OCTOBER 14, 2016--On October 11, the Advisory Board for the Oil Spill Recovery Institute (OSRI) met in Cordova, Alaska . Doug Helton is the Federal Chair of OSRI which was established by Congress in response to the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.


The Advisory Board approved the annual work plan and research budget. OSRI’s mandate is to identify and develop the best available techniques, equipment and materials for dealing with oil spills in the Arctic and sub-Arctic marine environment and to research the long-term effects of oil spills on the environment, the economy and people of the region. The Board includes representatives from the Department of the Interior, U.S. Coast Guard, State of Alaska, Alaskan natives, fishing industry, oil and gas industry, and at-large representatives from the Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet regions. OSRI is administered through and housed at the Prince William Sound Science Center, a non-profit research and education organization located in Cordova.

For further information, contact Doug.Helton@noaa.gov.

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Aerial view of mountains and water.
OSRI’s mission was initially focused on Prince William Sound, but in 1996, the Oil Pollution Act was amended to expand the area of emphasis from the Exxon Valdez oil spill region to the Arctic and sub-Arctic marine environments. The above photo is Icy Bay near Yakutat, Alaska. Cordova is only reachable by boat or plane, and on a clear day the scenery can be awe-inspiring. (NOAA)
Last updated Tuesday, November 8, 2022 1:42pm PST