The Deepwater Horizon Open Ocean Trustees have released a final Open Ocean Restoration Plan. They selected 18 projects totaling almost $226 million to help restore fish, sea turtles, marine mammals and deep-sea coral habitat injured by the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This is the largest dedication of oil spill settlement funds to restore fish, sea turtles, marine mammals, and deep-sea coral habitat to date. Contact: Laurie Rounds

NOAA science is helping people understand more about the habitat endangered Atlantic sturgeon need to survive, reproduce, and thrive. Sonar data and analysis helps experts identify where critical habitat exists to help decision makers develop a path for recovery for these fascinating fish. Contact: Kim Couranz

NOAA and other trustees announced a partial settlement of $25 million that will be used to restore resources injured by hazardous waste released into Kalamazoo River and Portage Creek watersheds in Michigan. The trustees are now asking stakeholders for restoration project ideas that could be implemented in the area. Contact: Julie Sims

Among many efforts in 2019, we made progress on restoring corals, opened up rivers and tide channels for fish, and worked with communities to restore habitat across the U.S. and territories. Here are some highlights. Contact: Stephen Heverly

For 20 years, the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program has brought together expertise from across NOAA and its partners to protect, conserve, and restore the nation’s coral reef ecosystems. The program works with state and territorial governments, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and community groups to address local issues that affect coral reef ecosystems. Follow the celebration using the hashtag #NOAACoral20th.

A new recovery plan developed under the Endangered Species Act for Puget Sound steelhead addresses these impassable culverts and other threats. It provides a roadmap to help the native fish recover into self-sustaining populations and resume their prominence in Puget Sound. NOAA Fisheries developed the plan with help and support from many partners.

The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office seeks applications for its Chesapeake Bay-Watershed Education and Training grant program. Proposals to support systemic efforts to enable student experiences and teacher training are due by March 6, 2020. Learn more about this year’s opportunity and updates about the FY19 projects. Contact: Elise Trelegan

Consider submitting a proposal for the 2020 National Coastal and Estuarine Summit hosted by Restore America’s Estuaries and Coastal States Organization. The conference will be held on October 4-8, 2020 in Providence, RI. The National Coastal and Estuarine Summit is the largest international gathering of coastal professionals. The Summit program emphasizes lessons learned and best practices in every aspect of coastal and estuarine restoration and management.

Internships give students valuable workplace experience—and help NOAA accomplish work toward protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay. The NOAA Chesapeake Bay will offer internships for college students in summer 2020; applications for these five unique positions are due soon. Contact: Bart Merrick