Office of Response and Restoration

The Office of Response and Restoration (OR&R) is a program office of the National Ocean Service and a natural resource trustee that protects the coastal environment from oil and hazardous material releases and restores damage caused by such releases.

OR&R scientists and economists work in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies, the public and industry to assess risk and injuries to NOAA trust resources, provide technical advice, and recommend protective cleanup actions.

The Office works cooperatively with other agencies, responsible parties, and communities to resolve natural resource liability and implement restoration projects.

OR&R also develops and tests new approaches for improved and cost-effective cleanup strategies, damage assessment, and restoration.

The Program was re-established in 2005 and supports domestic and international efforts to prevent, identify, remove, and reduce the occurrence of marine debris.