On behalf of the work of OR&R, Director Lundgren received NAMEPA’s Government Award. This Marine Environmental Protection award recognized OR&R’s comprehensive program of work within the award criteria, including specific objectives set for environmental performance and improvement; a program of work that is innovative and goes beyond minimum compliance; the impact of the program efforts is long-term and substantial; efforts are aligned with NAMEPA goals; the work provides educational and environmental benefits; and, it has measurable successes in improving protection of the marine environment.

NAMEPA is a marine industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students, and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake, and river resources.

In announcing the award, NAMEPA stated: “NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration has been proactive in protecting the health of our seas. … Your work and continued efforts were ranked first by our board.”

Participation in the conference and awards program allowed for OR&R to celebrate other Marine Environmental Protection award recipients in other categories, as well as hear informational presentations and panels on current topics in the field including:

• Decarbonization goals and efforts in maritime shipping; 
• Emerging propulsion fuels and other energy sources;
• Automation and artificial Intelligence advances and future directions in shipping;
• Regulatory approaches in a time of extraordinary change;
• NAMEPA’s 10-part series celebrating 50 years of the family of MARPOL marine protection conventions; and, 
• NAMEPA’s engagement on port resilience initiatives.