Oil spills and hazardous waste releases can close fisheries and beaches, kill wildlife, and adversely impact the coastal communities that rely on clean and productive waterways. In 2023, NOAA and partners achieved seven pollution settlements for $92.8M, were actively engaged in 58 restoration projects, and released 6 restoration plans authorizing over $3.73 billion for future restoration to address pollution impacts.    

The following highlights our major accomplishments over the past year including coastal communities that will benefit from pollution recoveries and partners that help advance our work.