Open Ocean

Today marks ten years since the Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred. The rig explosion led to the largest marine oil spill in American history and caused the loss of 11 men and injury to 17 others. For months, millions of barrels of oil flowed into the Gulf of Mexico. Many coastal communities were severely impacted. In these trying times, we recognize the human cost of the oil spill, and continue to extend our deepest condolences to those whose loved ones were lost or otherwise injured. 

On this day, we, the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees, want to provide an

After three successful project years, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and NOAA announced the fourth year of the Deepwater Horizon Oceanic Fish Restoration Project, which began on January 1, 2020.

Twelve Florida and Louisiana fishing vessel owners are participating. They will take a voluntary break from pelagic longline fishing, and have options to use alternative gear that reduces bycatch of non-target species to continue to bring fish to market.

The pelagic longline fishery in the Gulf of Mexico targets species such as yellowfin tuna, swordfish and mackerel. Many of these

The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group has released the Draft Restoration Plan 2 and Environmental Assessment: Fish, Sea Turtles, Marine Mammals, and Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Communities (PDF, 438 pages) for public comment.