December 2025

News

In this edition:

Response and Restoration News
2026 Marine Debris Calendar
Upcoming Events
On the Ground with OR&R

NOAA Awards $26.4M for Marine Debris Removal and Interception Projects

The NOAA Marine Debris Program announced 13 new projects awarded for funding under its NOAA Marine Debris Removal and Interception Technologies award competitions. The projects recommended under these nationwide competitive funding opportunities continue the NOAA Marine Debris Program’s commitment to benefit the American economy, local communities, and coastal and marine habitats across the nation.

^{Image credit: New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.}

New Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Data for Lake Michigan

A new dataset and updated Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps are now available for Lake Michigan, providing a critical tool for oil spill preparedness and response in the Great Lakes region. This new Lake Michigan ESI data, which replaces the previous 1993-1994 data.

^{Image credit: Adobe Stock.}

Strengthening Oil Spill Response, Recovery, and Restoration through Uncrewed Aircraft

Oil spill response is a race against time. To win that race, NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard are turning to an ally: uncrewed aircraft systems, or "drones," to equip responders with a powerful tool for environmental protection.

^{Image credit: NOAA.}

More News

2025 Updates Now Available in CAMEO Data Manager and Tier2 Submit

General Recycling Project Set to Restore Nearly Three Acres of Fish and Wildlife Habitat on the Lower Duwamish River

Removing Abandoned Boats from D.C. Waterways

Restoration of Polluted Coastal Environments in the Southeast

Incident Responses for September 2025

New Alaska Marine Debris Action Plan Released

Final Restoration Plan Amendment and Environmental Assessment for the Ciba-Geigy Site Released

Draft Restoration Plan Released for Bayport Channel Collision Oil Spill

Now Available: The 2026 Marine Debris Calendar 

The 2026 Marine Debris Calendar is now available for download! The calendar features winning entries from the annual “Keep the Sea Free of Debris” art contest, which challenges students in grades 1–8 to illustrate the impacts of marine debris on the ocean and Great Lakes. This year’s edition showcases artwork from 13 students across seven states and three U.S. territories. Left image: Cover of the 2026 Marine Debris Art Calendar. Cover art by Aaliyah R. M., Grade 8, Puerto Rico.

Upcoming Events

March

3-5

Science of Chemical Spills Class
Mobile, Alabama

Registration closes January 16, 2026.

March

23-26

Science of Oil Spills Class
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Registration closes January 23, 2026.