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

Working with partners from state, tribal, and federal agencies and industry, we have recovered over $10.4 billion dollars to restore a wide variety of critical habitats and resources nationwide. Restoration funds have been used to restore wetlands, beaches, reefs, corals, and seagrasses and to open fish passage (e.g., dam removals) on many miles of streams. Funds have also been used to restore recreational uses like fishing, boating and swimming via boat ramps, fishing piers and improved access. In addition, protection and restoration have also been integrated into more than 500 waste site cleanups in order to reduce further injuries to natural resources and accelerate recovery.

Our restoration projects benefit coastal communities by:

• Enhancing fisheries and wildlife, restoring protected species (e.g., sea turtles, dolphins) and sensitive habitats (wetlands, corals)
• Providing economic benefits from recreation (fishing, boating, swimming), tourism, green jobs, coastal resiliency, property values and quality of life.