Doug Helton, Regional Operations Supervisor in OR&R's Emergency Response Division, recalls a significant incident that happened 30 years ago in Tampa Bay, involving multiple vessels, a fire, and spilled heavy fuel oil, jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline. Despite decades passing by, he continues to use photos from that incident to illustrate the challenges and trade-offs of shoreline cleanup.

So far this year, OR&R has provided support to 64 incidents. In May 2023, OR&R provided response support to 19 incidents, including nine new incidents in eight different states.

So far this year, OR&R has provided support to 54 incidents. In April 2023, OR&R provided response support to 19 incidents, including seven new incidents in five different states.

A natural disaster such as a hurricane impacts all facets of life in a community, and can even cause ripple effects that spread beyond the area of landfall to impact distant places and people. This far-reaching impact can be a devastating reminder of the interconnected nature of the blue economy, connecting people across the globe through sustainable economic activity alongside environmental protection. NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R) supports this blue economy through response and planning activities that protect critical infrastructure and marine resources, as seen in the 2022 response to Hurricane Ian in Florida.

NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R) supports a robust blue economy — the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and job creation. A holistic approach to this economy embraces its growth and use of ocean resources in a sustainable manner that is equitable and supports human well-being. And often, it means incorporating traditional knowledge and information into Western science.

Moving goods by sea is considered the most efficient form of commercial transport, and the carbon footprint of maritime shipping is substantially lower, per ton of cargo, compared with rail, truck, and air transport. But these ships still require large amounts of fuel and, despite safety improvements, there is always the risk of significant oil spills.

So far this year, OR&R has provided support to 46 incidents. In March 2023, OR&R provided response support to 27 incidents, including 18 new incidents in 10 different states and one foreign country—the Philippines.