Restoration work in the Open Ocean Restoration Area focuses on restoring the living marine resources and their services that were injured by the spill. The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group, comprised of the federal trustees, works together to restore wide-ranging and migratory species, including birds, Gulf sturgeon, fish and water column invertebrates, sea turtles, marine mammals, and deep-sea coral communities.
We work to restore these species throughout their life stages and geographic ranges, including inland, coastal, and offshore areas. Therefore, we may use some funds for restoration outside of the Gulf of Mexico. We coordinate with state trustees, especially when proposed projects overlap their jurisdictions.
Together, we develop project-specific restoration plans that are consistent with the programmatic restoration plan (see chart below). As part of the restoration planning process, we accept restoration project ideas from the public. The public also has the opportunity to review and comment on proposed project-specific restoration plans for the Open Ocean Restoration Area. Once plans are approved, we begin implementation and monitoring of the selected projects.
Restoration Plans
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Draft PlanonPDF,141 pages)
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Final PlanonPDF,163 pages)
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Draft PlanonPDF,438 pages)
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Final PlanonPDF,493 pages)
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Draft PlanonPDF,304 pages)
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Final PlanonPDF,335 pages)
Recent News
Looking for a particular news item or document related to the Open Ocean Restoration Page? View the story archive.
![a school of bluefin tuna](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/2024-06/900x600-atlantic-pacific-bluefin-tuna-noaa%20%281%29.jpg?h=b69e0e0e&itok=smD7eLwX)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group has
![a crew on a boat helps retrieve a piece of equipment out of the water](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/2024-05/CSM_recovery_Aframe.jpg?h=6be998f3&itok=79uH63eY)
Whales and dolphins (cetaceans) living in the Gulf
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group is
The Open Ocean Trustees have approved a Monitoring
Whales and dolphins (cetaceans) living in the
From May through October 2023, crews from NOAA
The Open Ocean Trustees are pleased to announce a
![a deep sea fish is shown amongst black water](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/2024-02/DeepSeaFish.png?h=1f1ac9b2&itok=y2iYN1qE)
The Open Ocean Trustees have approved a new
![a large loggerhead turtle is shown in front of a reef](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/2024-01/loggerhead%20turtle%201979x1350%20Flower%20Garden%20Banks%20NMS%20%281%29.jpg?h=a67be2df&itok=-KlOiXcu)
Sea turtles were among the many marine species in
![Northern gannet (Photo: Chris Haney) a white bird flies over the blue ocean](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/2023-11/northern%20gannet_JChrisHaney_21Jan18_2_new_0.jpg?h=6b0451e4&itok=tMuU5kPp)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group held
![Sooty tern (Credit: Daniel Clark USFWS) a small white bird with a black head is perched up on a rock](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/2023-10/961a5cdf-944a-4adc-b98b-dc4d144eed26.jpg?h=73b9a339&itok=tbO6iADL)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group will
![a loon is shown in the water on top of an artificial nesting platform](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Loon%20on%20ANP.jpg?h=59f9d53c&itok=v3u0twaF)
When common loons returned this year to their
![Common tern (Photo: Bob Houston, U.S. FWS) a white bird flies over water with wings spread](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/2023-11/northern%20gannet_JChrisHaney_21Jan18_2_new_1.jpg?h=6b0451e4&itok=C5CA4OxS)
The Deepwater Horizon Open Ocean Trustee
![an underwater camera is pointed at coral on the floor or the ocean](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Dive%20943_0021_100631.jpg?itok=1ivN_E4x)
The Gulf of Mexico has a vast and unique deep-sea
![three spotted pantropical dolphins jump out of the water while swimming](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/spotted%20pantropical%20dolphins%20NOAA.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=Y7-tFoNw)
Setting sail from Mississippi in June into the
![a group of fish swim by colorful coral in black water](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/IMG_8304.jpg?itok=reopNhFE)
A new publication from the Open Ocean Trustees’
![two whales are swimming through blue water near the surface](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/GU1703_20170811_S227_Pe_IMG_0182.jpg?itok=JXm8nRQr)
The Open Ocean Trustees have approved a new
![a green sea turtle is moving down a beach in sand](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/green%20sea%20turtle_%20photo%20credit%20Blair%20Witherington.jpg?itok=4L-VTS7V)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group marked
A new resource offering guidance on in-water sea
![a school of small tuna fish are pictured in blue water](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/tuna_school_underwater%20%281%29_0.png?itok=RhNyBhoQ)
Xem câu chuyện này bằng tiếng Anh. ( Read this
![a school of small tuna fish are pictured in blue water](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/tuna_school_underwater%20%281%29.png?itok=DmxG7AO7)
Đọc tường thuật bằng tiếng Việt. (Read this
![a man on a fishing boat throws a line off the side](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/main%20image.png?itok=GWeh2KQq)
A new video from the Oceanic Fish Restoration
![a colorful group of coral sits on the ocean floor](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/2022-07%20MDBC%20deep%20sea%20corals%20NOAA%20%281%29.jpg?itok=6xFCPi08)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group held
![a magnificent frigatebird flies through the blue sky with wings open](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Web%20Story%20Photo%201%20Magnificent%20frigatebird%2C%20Photo%20Cred%20NPS.jpg?itok=zPglfMup)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group
![a couple stands on a beach with an orange sunset in the background](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/main.jpg?itok=ZdFU__KR)
Through the cooperation and coordination of five
![a colorful group of coral sits on the ocean floor](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/gsr%20main.jpg?itok=Mxwp-wPC)
The Open Ocean Trustees invite you to learn more
![Cape St. Mary's Gannet parent and chick touch beaks with nest material under them](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/rp3%201.jpg?itok=ErG7bt-P)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group has
![5 tiny turtle hatchlings crawl along a sandy beach](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/kemps%20ridley%20hatchling%20Anna%20Hesser%20Flickr%2008.2013.jpg?itok=5tCbfon8)
To support restoration planning and evaluation of
![Colorful orange and pink feather duster-like crinoids and corals populate a dark underwater habitat.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/2022-07%20Martin%20MDBC8%20%281%29.jpeg?h=adbb760b&itok=qE-QdWLT)
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill damaged deep-sea
![large bluefin tuna swims though water](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/bluefin.jpg?itok=R9qqF_Of)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group has
![trainers work with dolphins at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Md.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/dolphin%20breathing%20main.jpg?itok=wMxwNNX0)
When the Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred in
![black and white loon on a green background](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Loon%20for%20web%20main.png?itok=YrXG1_GH)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group held
![A black loon chick rides the back of its parent.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/loon-chick%20%20main.png?itok=09ZtkoYw)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group will
![Three people on a boat, each holding one juvenile sturgeon](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/2022-09-sturgeon-story.jpg?itok=aaLGVjI0)
Gulf sturgeon were once common in river systems
![A man investigates fishing nets on board a boat.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/750x500%20Blake%20BRD%20Hunt.jpg?h=2a84d22f&itok=gtq5e4B5)
To restore fish populations in the Gulf of Mexico
![A sea turtle underwater](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/750x500-ted-escape-sf%20NOAA%20Fisheries.jpg?h=ff8c3fa3&itok=cSu8rQ-8)
A project to develop a new type of turtle excluder
The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill impacted
![Bike and pedestrian path in Mississippi](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/2022-05-OO-bike-path-story.jpg?itok=NxE07b90)
Construction of the Open Ocean Trustee
![Underwater photo of a fish and descender device](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/750x500-descender-device-credit-Return-Em-Right.jpg?itok=PwJhX1up)
Return 'Em Right, a coalition of organizations
![School of chub fish in the Gulf of Mexico](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/gulf%20of%20mexico%20school%20of%20chub%20fish%202033x1350%20g%20p%20schmahl%20flower%20garden%20banks%20nms_0.jpg?itok=dtY7x-3a)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group held
![A tuna near the surface of the water, with a fishing lure in its mouth.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/DWH%20FWCI%20strategic%20plan%20tuna%201644x1096.jpg?itok=eW_gHIMH)
The Open Ocean Trustees released their first
![School of chub fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Credit: G.P. Schmahl/Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/gulf%20of%20mexico%20school%20of%20chub%20fish%202033x1350%20g%20p%20schmahl%20flower%20garden%20banks%20nms.jpg?itok=9PNXd9sW)
The Open Ocean Trustees are hosting a webinar on
![A group of northern gannets gather on a beach. Credit: Daniel Lerps/Creative Commons](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/gulf%20of%20mexico%20gannet%203334x2222%20daniel%20lerps%20cc.jpg?itok=Xxk0b1dD)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group has
![A remotely operated vehicle is lifted onto a ship deck by a large mechanical arm.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/NOAA%20deep%20sea%20rov-recovery-2848x1899%20Office%20Ocean%20Exploration%20Research.jpg?itok=kO3b7699)
The Open Ocean Trustees and partners are
![Two pelagic longline vessels at docks in Louisiana.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/two%20pelagic%20longline%20vessels%20NOLA%20dulac%203755x2503%20credit%20NOAA%20stephen%20heverly.jpg?itok=YJ4By7Lt)
After five successful years, the Open Ocean
![Aerial view of four fishing vessels on the water -- one much larger than the others.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/menhaden%20purse%20siene%20fishing%20boat%20OO%20sea%20turtle%20project%201123x749.jpg?itok=9ok00fLX)
The “ Developing Methods to Observe Sea Turtle
![Common loon.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Common%20loon%20fws.jpg?itok=YctAMt-e)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group held
![Dolphin swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, breaching the surface.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Pantropical_Spotted_Dolphin%201250x833%20flipped.jpg?itok=T7tnPF2R)
The “ Reducing Impacts to Cetaceans during
![On a Mississippi Gulf Coast beach looking out to the water with a pier.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Deepwater%20Horizon%20Restoration%20Mississippi%20Gulf%20Coast%203888x2592%20Jeanne%20Allen.jpg?itok=sdCXAQre)
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill Natural Resource
![Deep sea coral and sea stars on the Florida Escarpment in the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/deepwater%20coral%20Florida%20Escarpment%201620x1080%20NOAA%20Office%20of%20Ocean%20Exploration%20and%20Research.jpg?itok=TBxpNj6w)
The Open Ocean Trustees are bringing together a
![A yellow crinoid perched on precious coral on a deep sea reef in the Gulf of Mexico](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/2018%20yellow%20crinoid%20on%20precious%20coral%20gulf%20of%20mexico%201620x800%20NOAA%20Ocean%20Exploration.jpg?itok=I9O7Sogm)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group will
![Three anglers on a boat with a fishing rod that's bending and looks to have a fish on.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/anglers%20fishing%20on%20boat%20gulf%20of%20mexico%204928x3264%20photo%20credit%20Return%20em%20Right.jpg?h=bfa41935&itok=7Sb8Ewr5)
Return ‘Em Right is an angler-driven initiative
![Aerial view of a beach with grassy dunes meeting the Gulf of Mexico.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Archie%20Carr%20Beach%204032x2688%20USFWS.jpg?itok=o9qxTMsX)
In July, the Open Ocean Trustee Implementation
![A person's hands on a laptop, with a phone in one hand](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/woman%20on%20laptop%201444x964%20credit%20women%20of%20color%20in%20tech%20stock%20images.jpg?h=6dddaab8&itok=ooUf_VIb)
Stakeholder and community feedback have
![A school of creole wrasse (Clepticus parrae) swim along the reef. Location: Gulf of Mexico, Flower Garden Banks](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/school%20of%20creole%20wrasse%20swim%20reef%20flower%20garden%20banks%20gulf%20of%20mexico%203200x2174%20FGB%20National%20Marine%20Sanctuary.jpg?itok=xpYqRnJ3)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group held
![A line of rocks protecting marsh and upland habitat on the Gulf Coast in Alabama.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Alabama%20Swift%20Track%20Living%20Shoreline%20Protection%20Weeks%20Bay%203264x2176.jpg?h=54f755f4&itok=RzovOTjL)
In what turned out to be an extremely challenging
![Anglers fishing on kayaks in Texas, near Port Aransas. Copyright Texas Parks and Wildlife](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/anglers%20kayaking%20texas%20gulf%20coast%20port%20aransas%202000x1335%20copyright%20Texas%20Parks%20and%20Wildlife.jpg?itok=CctLPDI3)
The Trustee Council will hold its sixth annual
![A school of vermillion snapper swims by a coral reef in the Gulf of Mexico. Image: Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/vermillion%20snapper%20gulf%20of%20mexico%203600x2000%20image%20flower%20garden%20banks%20national%20marine%20sanctuary.jpg?itok=wyQ4MfC1)
Are you interested in learning more about Open
![A northern gannet floats on the water.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Northern%20Gannet_DelBay_Imp_Mar2012%201200x800_JFiely%20USFWS.jpg?itok=l2i4d5SU)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group is
![Kayakers paddle around commercial fishing boats at docks as the sun sets.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/commercial%20fishing_boats%20southeast%20sunset%202426x1618%20credit%20NOAA%20OCM%20hansje%20gould-kruek.jpg?itok=HPEFbqGe)
Update: Join us for a fish restoration strategy
![One of the previous project participants on the water with alternative gear. © Jay Fleming Photography](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Oceanic%20Fish%20Restoration%20Project%20Boat%20on%20Water%20Gulf%20-%20NFWF%20c%20Jay%20Fleming%202500x1667.jpg?itok=b2AEXiy1)
After four successful years, the National Fish and
![Colorful coral reef at 35 meters of depth in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Image: NOAA NMS](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/flower%20garden%20banks%20shalllow%20coral%20reef%20gulf%20of%20mexico%20FLIP%20844x563%20Image%20NOAA%20NMS.jpg?itok=zskH3x5D)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group held
![Bridge and coast can be seen from a boat. A fishing reel and pole is in the foreground, in front of the boat's wake. Image: Florida Fish and Wildlife](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/gulf%20florida%20recreational%20fishing%20trip%20reef%201455x970%20image%20florida%20fish%20and%20wildlife.jpg?h=190201be&itok=zzAfD-_z)
On behalf of the Open Ocean Trustee Implementation
![Black terns are one bird species being restored by a project from the 2019 Open Ocean Restoration Plan 1.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/black%20tern%20flying%203167x2111%20Image%20USFWS.jpg?itok=fgdOoL3i)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group will
![Scientists deploy equipment to take oxygen measurements in the Gulf of Mexico. Image: LUMCON/LSU](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/scientists%20on%20boat%20deploying%20sampling%20equipment%201101x734%20NOAA.jpg?itok=AKXXY020)
On July 22, 2020 the Open Ocean Restoration Area
![A small fishing tackle box with a sticker that says "Get the Lead Out."](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/GTLO-tackleboxE18A1895%20%282%29.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=AlRXqnud)
Help is on the way for common loons thanks to a
![A school of Horse-eye jacks in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/school%20of%20fish%20gulf%20of%20mexico%20flower%20garden%20banks%20%203008x2000%20G%20P%20Schmahl%20NOAA.jpg?itok=UCvSqa3A)
The Trustee Council will hold its fifth annual
![NOAA scientist looks through giant binoculars on a ship, looking for marine mammals.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/NOAA%20Scienctists%20Looks%20for%20Marine%20Mammals%202880x1920%20NOAA%20Fisheries.jpg?itok=m8oXLciq)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group
![Sunset over dunes and marsh in Destin Florida, a dolphin dorsal fin breaches the water in the foreground.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Gulf%20Sunset%20Destin%20Florida%20Dolphin%20Dunes%20FWC%20Amanda%20Nalley%205310x3464.jpg?h=216f17bf&itok=Kao-L3YH)
In 2019, the Deepwater Horizon Trustees continued
![Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve landscape.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/21445178260_44e6e6d223_o.jpg?h=721939af&itok=epm7NtZ-)
Many of our projects are designed to benefit
![Scientists transport rehabilitated sea turtles to release them in the water.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Green%20sea%20turtles%20release%20Lower%20Laguna%20Madre%202000x1600%20TX%20Credit%20TX%20PWD%20%281%29%203x2.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=qEonu-5G)
We are restoring resources in multiple locations
![Sign with project information in front of a restored beach in Texas.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/2020-04%20TC%20McFaddin%20restoration%20project.jpg?h=f2fcf546&itok=wAzIXsJz)
To make the most of our efforts, we work hard to
![Multiple habitats are seen in an aerial view of the Louisiana coastline.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/1500%20x%20998%20WestLouisianacoastline-OHC.jpg?itok=RTKmBrdp)
Today marks ten years since the Deepwater Horizon
![A fishing vessel equipped with Green Stick alternative gear out on the water at dusk.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Oceanic%20Fish%20Restoration%20Project%20Boat%20on%20Water%20Gulf%20-%20NFWF%20c%20Jay%20Fleming%2063%207747x5165%20med.jpg?itok=NvqbFIzd)
After three successful project years, the National
![Loggerhead turtle with rocky reef behind it.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/loggerhead%20turtle%201979x1350%20Flower%20Garden%20Banks%20NMS.jpg?itok=RKX-_giB)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group held
![A gag grouper (fish) swims near a rocky reef with pink corals nearby.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/gag-grouper-sf%20-%201710x1140%201350dpi.jpg?h=e43589f0&itok=8vZC8Ufm)
The Deepwater Horizon Open Ocean Trustee
![Underwater image of colorful deep sea corals in the Gulf of Mexico.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/deepwater%20coral%20gulf%20of%20mexico%20NOAA%20OER%201624x1080.jpg?itok=oRPudgB7)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group will
![Closeup of a yellowfin tuna that's been caught by a commercial fisherman, being hauled into a boat with a gaff hook.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Oceanic%20Fish%20Restoration%20-Louisiana%20TUNA%20-%201408x938%20150%20dpi%20NFWF%20c%20Jay%20Fleming.jpg?itok=2VCDnnvR)
Pelagic longline fishermen in the Gulf are invited
![A Pantropical Spotted Dolphin swims at the surface of the ocean.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/2500x1667%20flipped-PIFSC-GUAM-pantropical-spotted-dolphin-Marie.Hill_.jpg?itok=PCuQWegK)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group
![Shrimping boats lined up in the water in Fulton Harbor, Texas.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/657x438-Fishing-boats-in-Fulton-Harbor-TX-%20NOAA%20licensed%20iStock-518344274.jpg?itok=6rkzOiem)
In response to both extenuating weather conditions
![USFWS biologist piloting a boat looking for Gulf Sturgeon in their river habitat.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/biologists%20search%20gulf%20sturgeon%20habitat%202880x1920%20credit%20USFWS.jpg?itok=zByJx9yM)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group will
![Colorful deep-sea mushroom coral in the Gulf of Mexico.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Gulf%20of%20Mexico%20deep%20sea%20mushroom%20coral%201620x1080%20NOAA%20OER.jpg?itok=j1hOgLFM)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group
![hawksbill turtle swimming underwater](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/hawksbill-turtle-3x2ratio.jpg?itok=WgiK6vVt)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group
![Dozens of juvenile sea turtles on a beach, heading to the Gulf of Mexico. Deepwater Horizon Sea Turtle Early Restoration Project.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/2018%20DWH%20sea%20turtle%20early%20restoration%20hatchlings%201979x1319.jpg?h=885011cc&itok=lWqSUzVS)
In 2018, the Deepwater Horizon Trustees continued
![Scientists on a boat observe the ocean with binoculars.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Gulf%20of%20Mexico%20Ocean%20Resource%20Observers%201500x1000%20NOAA.jpg?itok=dvLAvA1e)
The Open Ocean Trustees will hold an outreach
![An endangered Bryd'es whale surfaces in the Gulf of Mexico.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/750x500%20DWH%20brydes_whale%20NOAA%20Fisheries.jpg?h=9e499333&itok=NjPDWx6Y)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group has
![A deep-sea ROV scans an underwater cliff in the Gulf of Mexico.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/1620x1080%20D2%20ROV%20explores%20FL%20escarpment%20NOAA%20OER.jpg?itok=_zx3gvCm)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group
![Aerial view of a sperm whale breaching in the Gulf of Mexico](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/995x663%20sperm-whale-christin-khan-noaa%20NOAA%20Fisheries.jpg?itok=gMuoV0wJ)
These public engagement opportunities will happen
![A scientist's hand holds up a small fish on the surface of water.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Juvenile%20Gulf%20sturgeon%20fws.jpg?itok=CVmel5rD)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group has
![People gather around multiple tables in a large room, some writing on poster boards, discussing science.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/2019%2002%20GoMOSES%20MAM%20wkshp%2012%20full%20room.jpg?itok=HGLtTxOm)
On February 4, 2019 the Open Ocean Restoration
![A fish is hooked in the water next to a boat, being pulled into the boat.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Louisiana%20-%20TUNA%20-%20NFWF%20square%20GSR%20c%20Jay%20Fleming%2000_0.jpg?itok=c5KgGt0s)
The Deepwater Horizon Oceanic Fish Restoration
![A scientist looking through a large set of binoculars, viewing marine mammals.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/OO%20MAM_marinemammalobserver_noaa%20GSR%203x2.jpg?itok=YBoN0d5q)
On February 4, 2019 the Open Ocean Restoration
![Scientists releasing a sea turtle tagged with a tracking device.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Sea%20Turtle%20Released%20Tagged%203x2.jpg?itok=ohOU-9kM)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group held
![A common loon. Credit: USFWS](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/OO%20RP1%20Common%20Loon%20Photo%20USFWS.jpg?itok=DILQ_V2q)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group
![A squat lobster resides on a deep sea octocoral.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Squat%20Lobster%20on%20Octocoral%20Deep%20Sea%20GoM%20NOAA%20OOER_3x2.jpg?itok=gCBi0MwS)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group will
![Two black terns perching on a log.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/2018-10%20OO%20RP%20I%20BlackTern_Mary%20Read%203x2.jpg?itok=2mJTWkDK)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group has
![A diver operates a camera in a coral nursery.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/DWH%20DIVER%20Access%20the%20Data%203x2.png?h=10d202d3&itok=deWG_NSH)
The Trustees are committed to providing annual
![A section of the newly re-opened Jeff Friend Trail in Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama.](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/A14I9862.jpg?h=a141e9ea&itok=jU0jsqxi)
In January, the Jeff Friend Trail at Bon Secour
![Sea Turtle in the Gulf of Mexico. Credit U.S. Dept of Commerce](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/5884715439_6ce33c5183_o_0.jpg?itok=-QAqpUQr)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group
![White Pelican in the Gulf of Mexico. Credit: U.S. Dept. of Interior](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/white%20pelican%20msvn%20flipped%20cropped%20for%20OO%20RP%201%20story.jpg?itok=1QWeRvNk)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group
![White Pelican the Gulf of Mexico. Credit U.S. Dept of Interior](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/white%20pelican%20msvn%20flipped%20cropped%20for%20OO%20RP%201%20story_0.jpg?h=d08f423e&itok=IZfXBITR)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group has
![Skimming oil in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill - Credit NOAA Office of Response and Restoration](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/12685861633_1708f2dbff_o.jpg?itok=boajAcGe)
Many members of the Deepwater Horizon Trustee
The Deepwater Horizon Oceanic Fish Restoration
![Fishing equipment](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/OO%20Screen%20Shot%20David%20Kerstetter%202_0.png?itok=dDmLuJ32)
The Oceanic Fish Restoration Project is helping to
![American oystercatcher](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/American_oystercatcher.jpg?itok=noJeylt_)
The Open Ocean Restoration Area webinar was held
![Residents greet arriving ferries](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/residents%20greet%20arriving%20ferries.jpg?itok=29sg-iuB)
Sailing towards Pensacola’s Plaza de Luna under a
![green turtle on a beach](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/greenturtle10_ffsnwhi_msullivan_noaa_permit1013707.jpg?itok=-Z41hp4O)
It’s been one year since we settled with BP and
![loggerhead turtle](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/loggerhead2_blairwitherington_ffwcc_0.jpg?itok=iaDm9eMz)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group is
![Gulf sunset](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/Gulf%20sunset_0.jpg?itok=lNwEM4mI)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group is
Seven Louisiana fishers have volunteered to stop
![bluefin tuna](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/bluefin%20tuna_0.jpg?itok=5Mdkppty)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group (TIG)
![Sea turtle and net](/sites/default/files/styles/3_2_115x77/public/migrations/used/loggerhead_sea_turtle.jpg?itok=ndf0Qrwp)
The Open Ocean Trustee Implementation Group is
Projects
Planning
The chart shows the restoration funding allocated to the Open Ocean Restoration Area for each restoration goal and the percentage of committed funds as of May 2023. For more information on the allocation of funds, please visit the Department of Justice Deepwater Horizon page.
![oo funding 2024](/sites/default/files/2024-06/OO_Funding_2024%5B1%5D.png)
Monitoring and Adaptive Management
The Open Ocean Trustees consider monitoring and adaptive management throughout their restoration efforts. To find project-related monitoring and adaptive management information, click on the projects listed in the table above, or view a project’s monitoring activities through our interactive project map.
In addition to project-specific monitoring, we developed a Monitoring and Adaptive Management Strategy (PDF, 23 pages) that provides a framework to inform restoration planning and evaluate the outcomes of Open Ocean restoration.
The Open Ocean Restoration area also has Monitoring and Adaptive Management Activity Implementation Plans.
- Vessel Surveys for Abundance and Distribution of Marine Mammals and Seabirds
- Informing Gulf Sturgeon Population Status and Trends as a Baseline to Evaluate Restoration
- Juvenile Gulf Sturgeon - Gulf-wide Population Dynamics and Habitat Use
- Evaluating the Cumulative Impacts of Multiple Stressors on Cetaceans
- Analysis of Open Ocean Habitat Use, Threats, and Animal Movement
- Conceptual Model to Inform Open Ocean Ecosystem Indicators
- Gulf-Wide Status of Nesting Sea Turtles and Beaches Data Inventory
- Evaluation Framework for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Restoration
Trustee Implementation Group
The trustees for the Open Ocean Restoration Area are:
- U.S. Department of the Interior
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Contact: openocean.TIG@noaa.gov